In times like this when the world has taken a whole new turn due to COVID -19, many have experienced changes in routines such as working from home, being laid off, homeschooling kids, seeing doctors via telemedicine platforms, wearing face masks, being socially distanced, becoming very conscious of infections and warning signs of diseases, and so on. With such changes, there is a likelihood to develop mood changes, one of which is depression or “feeling down”.
As humans, we get an increase in our brain chemical activities (called neurotransmitters) when we physically interact with others. Some of these brain chemicals include- dopamine (pleasure reward chemical), norepinephrine (like adrenaline), and serotonin (feel good chemical). In the absence of these physical interactions, the levels of these brain chemicals can decrease and potentially lead to:
When these symptoms are present for at least a 2-week period, it is considered Major Depressive Disorder, also referred to as clinical depression.
When depressive symptoms are present, the lack of motivation makes it difficult for such individuals to seek help. Awareness of the warning signs of depression allows friends, family, or loved ones of those affected by depression identify symptoms of depression and help such individuals initiate the process of seeking treatment options. Whenever one or a loved one has developed symptoms of depression, the best approach is to get professional help which often begins with an assessment from a psychiatrist.
It is better to get help in the early stages of depression than in the later stages when the condition has advanced. Prevention is always better than cure; however, early detection of signs of depression can be just as useful in preventing a full-blown protracted depressive episode.