Depression has long been experienced by many. Maybe you know someone – a family member, friend, or colleague – who has undergone some depressive states. No matter how rampant it is, only a few really understand it and therefore can show support to the depressed person.

Depression is a disorder that affects one’s mood and behavior, including the way the person thinks and feels. It causes the person to feel sad and hopeless that could last for days, months, and even years. Take note that depression is different from a mere setback or disappointment you had in your day.

So, what goes on in a person’s mind when they’re in a major depressive episode? Read below to find out.

Void Of Beauty

For a depressed person, what was beautiful before may look ugly, flat, or even threatening. The world simply turns into a dark place, and nothing is ever pleasurable to them. If before the depressive state they love watching romantic movies, once they’re depressed, everything will seem pleasureless. And this feeling that the world is devoid of beauty is not just a result of a sad experience; often, no reason will suffice to explain the feeling.

No Reason To Live

Love and support do no good for a person under a major depressive state. For them, nothing is worth living for. The depressed individual may also believe that loved ones and significant others, even their own children and spouse, are better off without them.

Nothing can bring pleasure or comfort. This is the reality for depressed people even if their family and friends are just a step away ready to provide support. Anything that caused them to feel guilt or regret will take up most of their emotional space. Because of this and the person being in a depressive state, it is common for those with depression to see others abandon them, even when they’re not.

Meaningless Existence

In addition, a depressed person may feel that there’s no apparent hope that things will be better. What needs to be understood about depression is that it imprisons you in a world where everything seems hopeless; it sucks you down a sandpit where nothing or no one seems to care.

Everything that is great before a depressive state, including accomplishments, relationships, assets, and personal achievements, becomes meaningless when depression descends. The person’s sense of value and self-esteem vanish and are overshadowed by cynical self-images.

Irritating Feeling

To a person with major depression, a feeling of intense pain is felt but cannot be identified in any part of the body. Everything is irritating, and suddenly, no one or nothing is ever lovable or loving. Even the most comforting pat may feel like the most painful touch. The person views others as insincere and unloving, where in reality, it is far from those. Again, this is the reality for people with major depression and a constant battle that they need to face and overcome.

Conclusion

Keep in mind that these happen when a person is in a major depressive episode, where the only thing that works is medication. If you have someone with depression, don’t take on their reality. Even when the person is unlovable at the moment, extend support and comfort.

People battling with depression are not weak. In fact, it takes a lot of strength to fight something that makes you feel like nothing. If you know someone or are experiencing signs of depression and need support, it’s best to seek help from a psychologist like Endeavour Wellness. There is help.

Joel Curtis

Joel Curtis is a registered Psychologists with Endeavour Wellness and has over 17 years of experience. Joel holds a Masters’ Degree in Psychology from Western Sydney University. Joel owns a number of private practices in Sydney and provides expert content for several national TV and Radio programmes.