The importance of timely diagnosis

Recognizing the symptoms of depression early on is essential to prevent emotional distress from developing into serious clinical conditions that compromise a person's physical, mental, and social well-being.

Often, what begins as mild stress or temporary sadness can silently escalate into major depressive disorder, especially if warning signs are ignored.

When to suspect depression

Depression is not simply “being sad.” It is a complex disorder that affects mood, motivation, sleep, appetite, and social relationships.

Therefore, it is important to differentiate it from normal emotions such as sadness, which is temporary and usually has an identifiable cause.

In contrast, in depression, the cause may not be clear, symptoms persist over time, and they cause a deterioration in daily activities.

One of the key criteria for suspecting a depressive disorder is the duration of symptoms.

If a person has experienced at least five symptoms such as deep sadness, irritability, lack of energy, insomnia or hypersomnia, changes in appetite, difficulty concentrating, or thoughts of death for more than two weeks, professional help should be sought.

It is also a warning sign if there is a sudden change in behavior: social isolation, abandonment of activities that were previously enjoyed, poor academic or work performance, or self-destructive behaviors.

The metaphor of a stone in the shoe is particularly useful: if we ignore that something is “not right” emotionally, the problem not only persists but worsens.

Constant unaddressed stress is like driving with a flat tire; eventually, the tire bursts, damages other parts of the car, and can cause a serious accident.

Similarly, untreated depression can lead to major crises, including suicide.

Who to turn to?

Once the warning signs are identified, it is essential to seek help from mental health professionals.

The first point of contact may be a general practitioner or primary care physician, who can refer the patient to mental health specialists such as psychologists or psychiatrists.

Psychologists work primarily with therapy and cognitive-behavioral strategies to help understand and change negative thoughts, while psychiatrists may intervene with medication if the condition warrants it.

In some cases, joint care is recommended.

Acting early saves lives. Recognizing the symptoms, talking about them without fear or judgment, and seeking professional help is the first step toward recovery.

Asking for support is not a sign of weakness, but of personal responsibility. Depression does not resolve on its own; as with any illness, early treatment is key to preventing long-term effects and promoting a fulfilling life.