Depression
Depression, in plain terms
Depression is more than sadness. It is a persistent flattening of energy, pleasure and self-worth that lasts at least two weeks and interferes with ordinary life. It is common, treatable, and the sooner you name it, the sooner the treatment works.
Core signs
- Persistent low mood or emptiness most of the day, most days.
- Loss of interest in things you used to enjoy.
- Fatigue that is not fixed by rest.
- Changes in appetite or weight in either direction.
- Sleep changes: waking too early, or sleeping much more.
- Difficulty concentrating, indecision, feeling slow.
- Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide.
What works
For mild to moderate depression, structured therapy has evidence at least equal to medication. CBT and Behavioural Activation are the most studied. For moderate to severe depression, combining therapy with an antidepressant is more effective than either alone. Improvement is typically noticeable within 4 to 8 weeks of starting treatment.
If you have thoughts of suicide
Please do not carry this alone. In Czechia call 116 111 for free 24-hour support, or 112 for the European emergency number. In an acute crisis, go to a psychiatric emergency room (psychiatricka pohotovost). Bohnice hospital in Prague and PNBrno both have 24-hour intake.