Fast-paced lifestyles and high work pressures make many people, especially those struggling in big cities, susceptible to depression. If left untreated, severe depression can lead to suicidal tendencies. What's more frightening is that some individuals may not even realize they have depression, simply feeling gloomy every day.
How to Recognize Depression in Yourself
1. Depressed mood varies in intensity—from mild low spirits to sadness, pessimism, and despair. Patients may feel emotionally weighed down, find life meaningless, struggle to feel joy, endure each day as an eternity of unbearable suffering, or become trapped in a cycle of despair. Some may also experience anxiety, irritability, or restlessness.
2. Loss of interest is a common symptom among depressed individuals. They lose enthusiasm and joy in previous hobbies or work, finding everything uninteresting. Family bonds hold no appeal, and past passions are disregarded. Patients often withdraw, avoiding social interactions and distancing themselves from loved ones. They frequently describe feeling "emotionally numb," "devoid of feelings," or "unable to feel joy."
3. Loss of energy and fatigue: Patients struggle with daily tasks like washing and dressing, feeling physically and mentally drained. They often describe their state as "mentally shattered" or "a deflated balloon."
4. Low Self-Esteem: Patients excessively devalue their abilities, viewing their present, past, and future with criticism, negativity, and denial. They find fault with everything, portraying themselves as utterly worthless with a bleak future. Intense self-blame, guilt, feelings of uselessness, worthlessness, and helplessness may arise. Severe cases may develop feelings of guilt or hypochondria.
5. Patients exhibit significant, persistent, and pervasive depressive states characterized by difficulty concentrating, impaired memory, mental dullness, blocked thinking, and slowed movements. However, some patients may present with restlessness, anxiety, tension, and agitation.
6. Pessimism and negativity: Patients experience profound inner suffering, pessimism, and despair, perceiving life as a burden not worth clinging to. They may seek relief through death, leading to intense suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
How to Prevent Depression? Traditional Chinese Medicine Massage Techniques
1. Use both palms to push apart from the brow ridge toward the Touwei point 20 times.
2. Use the index and middle fingers to press and stroke along the line from the Shenting to Touwei points 20 times.
3. Alternate thumbs to push along the Ren Meridian line from Tiantu to Jiwei 10 times; knead the Shanzhong point with fingers for about 1 minute.
4. Gently spread fingers and rub both sides of the ribs for about 1 minute.
5. Use palms to rub the line from the Shenmen to Tongli points on the Heart Meridian for about 1 minute.
6. Rub the Laogong point until warm, then apply heat to the eyes for 1 minute.
Of course, beyond self-massage, fundamental psychological guidance is essential. Those feeling depressed may try engaging in physical activities like walking, jogging, swimming, or cycling. Seek to help others and avoid isolation or seclusion. Focus on activities that bring you joy.Shift your focus from negativity to positive, meaningful pursuits. Read books from various eras and cultures that warm the heart—good literature brings hope and fills us with gentleness and joy. Additionally, commit to writing down your frustrations daily. Leave these unpleasant thoughts on paper, crumple the paper into a ball, and toss it far away.