About Depression & Pity

Depression and pity often go hand in hand. To be depressed is to experience extended periods of sadness that interferes with daily life. Those in a relationship with someone who is depressed suffer as well, and may cope with the situation by pitying, or feeling sorrow for the depressed. To look into whether this is a positive coping mechanism, it is necessary to understand more about the condition of depression.

Symptoms

• Those that are depressed feel unrelenting sadness, pessimism, and anxiousness. They may also exhibit a change in diet or sleep pattern. Other signs of depression include a general loss of interest and thoughts of suicide.

Causes

• There is no singular cause of depression. It may result from a trauma, a psychological imbalance, environmental factors, or genetics.

Types

• The different forms of depression are psychotic depression, postpartum depression, seasonal affective disorder, dysthymic disorder, and major depressive disorder.

Detection

• Depression can be detected by visiting a doctor or mental health professional to conduct physical and psychological examinations.

Treatment

• The methods of treatment for depression include medication, psychotherapy, electroconvulsive therapy, or the herbal remedy St. John's wort. Loved ones should not engage in pity with the depressed as a means of aiding treatment. This may be a positive reinforcement, and discourage the depressed from resuming a normal lifestyle and routine.