What are the psychological symptoms of depression

The psychological symptoms of depression mainly include low mood, decreased interest, slow thinking, low self-evaluation, suicidal ideation or behavior.

1. Low mood

Low mood is the core symptom of depression, manifested as persistent sadness, emptiness, or despair. Patients may feel heavy hearted for a long time, lose interest in things around them, and even when faced with activities that used to bring happiness, they may feel bored. This emotional state is not a temporary depression, but a persistent existence that is not closely related to environmental changes, often accompanied by the impulse to cry or inexplicable sadness.

2. Decreased interest

Decreased interest refers to a significant decrease in interest or pleasure in almost all activities. Patients may no longer care about work, study, socializing, or hobbies, and feel that life has become dull and boring. Even when it comes to things that one was once passionate about, they cannot muster the energy to participate, manifested as social withdrawal, avoidance of crowds, reduced daily activities, often accompanied by fatigue and lack of energy.

III. Slow Thinking

Slow thinking is characterized by slower thinking speed, difficulty concentrating, decreased memory, and difficulty making decisions. Patients may feel like their brain is rusting, with slower reactions and reduced work and study efficiency. In communication, there may be a decrease in speech, slow pace, and lack of content, accompanied by a subjective sense of difficulty in thinking.

4. Low self-evaluation

Low self-evaluation is manifested as excessive, unreasonable self blame, guilt, or a sense of worthlessness. Patients may excessively exaggerate their own minor mistakes or shortcomings, thinking that they are a burden to others and feeling pessimistic and hopeless about the future. This negative self-awareness often does not match the reality, but patients are deeply immersed in it and find it difficult to extricate themselves, which is an important manifestation of depressive psychological symptoms.

V. Suicidal ideation or behavior

Suicidal ideation or behavior is the most severe psychological symptom of depression, including recurrent thoughts of death, suicidal ideation, suicide planning, or suicide attempts. Patients may perceive life as meaningless and death as a form of liberation, and may make specific arrangements for it. The occurrence of such symptoms indicates that the degree of depression has become very severe, and professional medical intervention must be sought immediately to prevent tragedy from happening. The psychological symptoms of depression require comprehensive intervention. In addition to standardized psychological and medication treatment under the guidance of a psychiatrist, self-regulation in daily life is also crucial. It is recommended to maintain a regular sleep schedule, ensure adequate sleep, and avoid staying up late and overworking. In terms of diet, attention should be paid to balanced nutrition. Moderate intake of foods rich in tryptophan, such as bananas and milk, can help promote serotonin synthesis. You can try doing gentle aerobic exercises such as walking, yoga, or tai chi, which can help release endorphins and improve mood. Learn and practice relaxation techniques such as mindfulness meditation and deep breathing to help manage negative thinking. Establish a stable social support system, maintain communication with family and friends, and participate in supportive group activities. Avoid isolating yourself and reduce exposure to stimuli that may trigger negative emotions, such as excessive browsing of social media or negative news. If symptoms persist or worsen, it is important to seek professional help in a timely manner. Early intervention is crucial for the recovery of depression.