In Germany alone, a large number of people suffer from depression.
It could even be prevented.
But how?
Berlin – Depression is defined as a pathological mood disorder.
According to estimates by the Federal Ministry of Health, in Germany alone, every fifth person falls ill at least once in their life.
For many people this is even repeatedly the case.
The signs of depression could be interpreted at an early stage.
“Severe depressive phases of illness do not usually start all at once.
They often develop over days to weeks before all the symptoms of the disease are fully developed," Astrid Freisen told
bild.de
in this context .
What else does the psychiatrist have to say about depression.
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Various early warning signs can indicate depression.
© Fabian Sommer/dpa/symbol image
These early warning signs can indicate depression
Freisen explains the early warning signs of a depression that coffee is supposed to alleviate.
Basically, the morbid mood disorder would look a little different in each person.
And yet there are a number of symptoms that frequently show up.
These include:
They no longer reply to private e-mails or WhatsApp messages or answer the phone.
You prefer to spend your free time passively in front of the screen.
You suffer from loss of appetite or cravings.
You feel an inner restlessness because of constant brooding.
Everything is too much for them, which is why they withdraw socially.
You have trouble concentrating.
You experience physical complaints such as headaches or back pain.
It takes you a long time to fall asleep at night.
You can't even get out of bed in the morning.
You feel a strong decrease in desire for sex.
They are emotionally thin-skinned (women tend to cry a lot, for example, while men tend to become aggressive and dismissive).
"If you recognize yourself in these symptoms, I recommend that you see a doctor," says psychiatrist Freisen.
Don't underestimate depression: those affected should get help or get sick leave - advises an expert
In the case of depression, which differs from winter depression, it is also important to get help or get sick leave.
“Due to the taboo, there is still a lot of ignorance and prejudice.
In addition, the fact that the illness is not tangible, such as a broken leg, and the affected person sometimes cannot describe exactly what is wrong at the moment, does not make the visit to the doctor any easier,” notes Freisen.
The expert would speak from her own experience.
She would have suffered several periods of depression.
And despite her medical training, even she found it difficult to view the disease as such and not as a weakness.
"Feelings of shame and self-stigmatization often represent an obstacle to seeking help," Freisen said.
For general practitioners, it has long been "normal" for people with depression to present themselves in their practice.
What’s more: “Sick leave due to depression and anxiety disorders is increasing continuously and has been the most common reason for illness-related days off at Techniker Krankenkasse, for example, since 2018”.
No false shame when visiting the doctor - psychiatrist recommends bullet point list for those affected by depression
Visiting a doctor is not easy for those who suffer from depression.
The psychiatrist therefore recommends that those affected make a bullet point list for the interview in advance.
The list would provide support to avoid suddenly sitting blank in conversation due to nervousness, embarrassment and lack of concentration.
Involving someone you trust can also help.
A visit to the family doctor would be sufficient for the first discussion.
This could serve as a kind of pilot to initiate necessary further treatment steps.
This could range from the short-term prescription of sleeping pills, tranquilizers or antidepressants to a referral to a psychiatrist.
Mothers with depression receive special support from health insurance companies
Mothers in particular would often find it difficult to seek inpatient treatment as a result of depression and thus leave their children alone.
Freisen would have experienced that more often in her professional life.
But there is special support for mothers.
"The health insurance company covers the costs of domestic help during a necessary hospital stay," notes the psychiatrist.
People affected by depression are on sick leave: are they still allowed to pursue leisure activities?
Anyone who suffers from depression and has managed to take sick leave is faced with the next hurdle.
Or rather: facing a conflict of conscience.
Can I take sick leave and still pursue leisure activities?
“Yes!” is the clear answer from Freisen.
She also knows how to explain:
They would even have to if the depression is not to intensify any further.
The general rule is: Reduce stress, but still stay active and don't isolate yourself completely.
Psychiatrist Astrid Freisen to "bild.de"
Those affected should not worry if, for example, a work colleague runs into them when they go to the swimming pool.
After all, there are now also court decisions that confirm that all activities that serve recovery are permitted.
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Editorial note: If you suffer from depression yourself or know people who suffer from suicidal thoughts, you can contact the telephone counseling service.
This can be reached at 0800/111-0-111 and 0800/111-0-222.
The online address is
www.telefonseelsorge.de.
List of rubrics: © Fabian Sommer/dpa/Symbolbild
