3 things most people misunderstand about depression

The World Health Organization estimates that 5% of adults worldwide suffer from depression, a disorder characterized by persistent sadness and a loss of interest in once enjoyable activities.

A psychologist revealed that there are many misconceptions about this widespread disorder.

Dr. Julie Smith, a psychologist from Hampshire, England, shared educational videos about mental health on social media.

In a TikTok video, Jolie explained the three things people often misunderstand about this debilitating condition.

1. Depression isn't just about bad moods

Some of the common symptoms of a mental health condition include feelings of frustration, emptiness, and a loss of interest in activities that a person would normally enjoy.

As such, a common misconception is that if you are depressed, you are just feeling down.

But this is not always the case. According to Dr. Jolly: "A lot of people don't realize that it's common to experience a lot of anxiety when you're depressed."

The charity Mind says you may also feel anxious, agitated and struggle to eat and sleep when depressed.

2. Depression can be physical

Depression doesn't just affect you emotionally. "Depression isn't just psychological, it's physical as well," stresses Dr. Jolly.

Sometimes, she explained, the first thing you'll notice is a lack of energy. But the case can go further than that. Dr. Jolly explained that the patient may also suffer from aches and pains that do not seem to have a clear cause.

As a result, experts believe depression can make you feel pain differently than other people, and depression can make chronic pain you may be experiencing worse.

The patient may experience:

Muscle and joint pain

- Back ache

Headache

chest pain

According to the National Health Service (NHS), you may also experience:

Changes in appetite or weight (usually decreased, but sometimes increased)

- constipation

Unexplained aches and pains

lack of energy

Decreased sex drive (loss of libido)

Changes in the menstrual cycle

disturbed sleep (for example, you find it difficult to sleep at night or wake up very early in the morning)

3. Depression versus sadness

"Depression and sadness are not the same thing," stressed Dr. Jolie. "Sadness is just one of the many symptoms of depression."

She explained that it is normal to feel sad and it usually passes in an instant, "but depression can be long-term. However, if feelings of sadness do not go away and interfere with your life and normal functions, it may be a sign that you are depressed."

Common symptoms of depression include:

Feeling upset, wanting to cry, or sad

Restlessness or irritability

Feelings of guilt, lack of self-esteem and contempt

Feeling empty

Isolation and inability to communicate with others

You don't find joy in life or the things you normally enjoy

A feeling of unreality

- Despair   Source: The Sun