Understanding Depression: Is it a Psychological Problem?

Depression is a complex and multifaceted issue. My parents might call my depression a psychological problem, but it often feels like a personal struggle that makes me feel abnormal. But is depression really a psychological problem?

Depression is not something we 'have' like a specific attribute. Instead, it is a natural and often unhealthy reaction to unresolved internal conflicts within us. It is a fundamental aspect of human emotion, allowing us to connect deeply with others and reflect on our own experiences. Feeling low, sad, weak, or withdrawn can be a healthy response to loss or the anticipation of loss. These feelings provide us with an opportunity to mourn and come to terms with what we are experiencing.

Symptoms and Underlying Issues

Depressive symptoms are not the problem themselves. Rather, they indicate that there are unresolved issues in our inner life that require attention. When we experience a loss or a significant event that causes fear, the symptoms can be our body's way of signaling that we need to address these feelings.

For example, if one loses a cherished person or an important object, one may experience sadness and try to come to terms with that loss over time. However, if the underlying cause is less obvious or rooted in early childhood experiences, the depression can persist. Our young minds often suppress overwhelming emotions like fear, helplessness, shame, or rage as a coping mechanism. These suppressed emotions can then resurface during puberty, leading to a renewed sense of depression.

Growing Out of Depression

One of the most effective ways to overcome depression is to find a healthy way to express and acknowledge these emotions. As we grow and mature, we should be able to share our feelings openly and find age-appropriate mechanisms to express ourselves. Accepting and understanding our emotions can help us find a new sense of self and move forward.

When we can’t find a way to share our feelings and feel seen and heard, we may continue to suppress them, leading to ongoing depression. This suppression can affect our ability to feel deeply, causing a sense of unreality or an inability to connect with others.

Depression as a Coping Mechanism

Depression is not a psychological or biological problem. It is a signal from our inner self, prompting us to address unwanted, unaccepted, or suppressed emotions. Understanding and accepting all our feelings, even those that are scary or unpleasant, is crucial for living a full life. Suppression of certain emotions can limit our capacity to deeply feel anything.

Prevalence and Normalcy

Current Western society indicates that around 10% of the population is currently suffering from depressive mood disorder, and this number is expected to rise. Children's depression is a growing concern, and this trend can be observed in many war-torn regions where the percentage of people experiencing depression is higher.

These statistics are just the tip of the iceberg. Not everyone who experiences depression seeks medical help, so the actual figures may be much higher. Overcoming depression is a process that requires serious attention, and the earlier it is addressed, the less severe the impact.

Seeking Help

While talking to your parents might be a step, seeking professional help from a counselor or psychotherapist can be incredibly beneficial. Our profession exists precisely because feeling depressed is a common issue, especially in adolescents and adults. Try not to feel ashamed or alone in your struggle, as it is completely normal to feel depressed.

Remember, feeling depressed can be a healthy response to a situation. Exploring what this feeling means for you is a powerful way to find a way through it. Don’t hesitate to talk to someone who can help you, whether it’s a trusted parent, a friend, or a professional therapist.

Feel depressed? Don’t be afraid to reach out. Sometimes, simply acknowledging that you are feeling this way is the first step to healing.

Best regards,

Qwen