Understanding Depression's Role

Depression is often regarded as a complex and painful experience, but it serves a significant purpose. I like to think of depression as a form of emotional hibernation. When life becomes overwhelming and we encounter challenges beyond our capacity, depression acts as a protective mechanism. Its role is to help us conserve energy until we regain the strength to respond.

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The Benefits of Emotional Hibernation

Depression can initially feel beneficial during tough times. It signals that something is wrong in our lives, even if we lack the energy to make necessary changes. This persistent feeling arises from deep within, reminding us that things are not as they should be.

Recognizing the Root Causes

If we are honest with ourselves, we often suppress the underlying issues because taking action seems daunting. We inherently know what changes are needed, whether it’s a career shift, ending a friendship, or leaving a long-term relationship. However, we tend to ignore these signals.

Unprocessed Emotions

Neglecting these messages results in a buildup of unprocessed emotions, which can overwhelm our emotional capacity. When our feelings become too intense, depression essentially hits the “pause” button in our mental processes, urging us to save energy until we are ready to confront our challenges.

The Dangers of Prolonged Withdrawal

The real complications arise when we forget why depression initiated this emotional retreat. Failing to channel our energy into addressing the root problems—whether it involves grieving, advocating for ourselves, or ending toxic relationships—can lead to a chronic state of depression that is difficult to escape.

Revisiting Triggers

If you currently feel weighed down, take a moment to reflect on when this sensation first emerged. Did a particular event coincide with that feeling? At the time, you might not have been prepared to confront the issue that triggered this response. I understand this struggle all too well; I’m navigating similar challenges myself due to a recent autoimmune diagnosis.

Taking Action When Ready

Ultimately, we will be called to act. It’s crucial not to let depression become a permanent fixture in our lives. Ask yourself: are you ready to face the situation now? Perhaps it’s time to emerge from your hibernation, or maybe you still need more time. Remember that when you finally awaken from this long rest, you may feel sore. Allow yourself the necessary time to gradually confront your challenges one at a time.

Video Insights on Depression

The first video, "8 Signs You're Suffering from Depression Without Knowing It," offers valuable insights into recognizing subtle signs of depression that may be overlooked.

The second video, "The Bright Side: COVID-19 & Mental Health," discusses the mental health impacts of the pandemic and how we can navigate these challenges.

Understanding the Complexity

DISCLAIMER

Depression can be a serious condition affecting both mind and body. This article provides only a small glimpse into a multifaceted issue. If you are struggling with depressive thoughts or feelings, please seek help from a qualified mental health professional.

Thank you for taking the time to read this!

I’m a mental health professional from Greece, balancing my work in Psychiatry and Psychotherapy with my passion for writing on Medium.

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With heartfelt gratitude,

Orestis.