All human beings go through moments of boredom that are usually caused by trouble or discomfort. Lack of physical activity or simple social activities can drive a person to boredom; leading to a loss of interest in many things. It is important to note that although boredom can be a symptom of depression, boredom in itself does not necessarily mean that a person is suffering from this disease.
Usually when I do presentations in the community and mention some of the most common diagnoses in Hispanic families, such as depression, many wonder what the difference between depression and boredom is. Being unwilling to do something or not wanting to socialize is normal and no cause for concern if this feeling is temporary. However, if a person does not want to do anything for extended periods, this could be problematic and will surely have negative consequences for the future.
Often people feel blue or sad, but a few hours or a day later, these feelings tend to disappear. However, when someone is suffering from depression, these feelings can last for days, weeks, months, or even years. In addition to feeling sad and melancholy, the person presents another set of symptoms that may be clear signs of clinical depression.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health USA (NIMH), an individual with depression shows the following symptoms and should seek help immediately:
- Persistent sadness, anxiety, or emptiness
- Feelings of hopelessness and/or pessimism
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and/or helplessness
- Irritability, restlessness
- Loss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable, including sex
- Fatigue and lack of energy
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering details, and making decisions
- Insomnia, early waking, or oversleeping
- Overeating or loss of appetite
- Suicidal thoughts or suicide attempts
- Persistent aches and pains, headaches, cramps or digestive problems that do not go away even with treatment
Unfortunately many people with depression do not seek help because they do not know where to go or are simply too embarrassed. They almost always hear people say that their family or friends will think they are “weak.” That is when I explain that clinical depression has nothing to do with the character of an individual. Although there is no single cause that produces depression, studies suggest that this disease is the result of a combination of genetic, biochemical, and psychological factors. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) shows that the brain of a person suffering from depression functions differently from the brains of those who are not. The areas of the brain that regulate mood, thinking, appetite, and behavior appear to function abnormally. In addition, certain neurotransmitters (chemicals that brain cells use to communicate) appear to be in off-balance.
If you identify several of the signs and symptoms of depression within yourself, then you need to visit your doctor as soon as possible. Some medications, certain viruses, and thyroid disorders can cause some of the same symptoms as depression. Laboratory and medical tests will help rule out that these symptoms are due to physical illness. If your doctor does not find any medical condition, visit a mental health professional for an evaluation and determine if you are suffering from clinical depression. Fortunately, there are treatments that have helped many people recover. Psychotherapy, individual or group counseling, and sometimes medication can be used as interventions to reduce or eliminate symptoms of this disease that plagues millions of individuals in this country.
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Depressed or Bored?
All human beings go through moments of boredom that are usually caused by trouble or discomfort. Lack of physical activity or simple social activities can drive a person to boredom; leading to a loss of interest in many things. It is important to note that although boredom can be a symptom of depression, boredom in itself does not necessarily mean that a person is suffering from this disease.
Usually when I do presentations in the community and mention some of the most common diagnoses in Hispanic families, such as depression, many wonder what the difference between depression and boredom is. Being unwilling to do something or not wanting to socialize is normal and no cause for concern if this feeling is temporary. However, if a person does not want to do anything for extended periods, this could be problematic and will surely have negative consequences for the future.
Often people feel blue or sad, but a few hours or a day later, these feelings tend to disappear. However, when someone is suffering from depression, these feelings can last for days, weeks, months, or even years. In addition to feeling sad and melancholy, the person presents another set of symptoms that may be clear signs of clinical depression.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health USA (NIMH), an individual with depression shows the following symptoms and should seek help immediately:
Unfortunately many people with depression do not seek help because they do not know where to go or are simply too embarrassed. They almost always hear people say that their family or friends will think they are “weak.” That is when I explain that clinical depression has nothing to do with the character of an individual. Although there is no single cause that produces depression, studies suggest that this disease is the result of a combination of genetic, biochemical, and psychological factors. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) shows that the brain of a person suffering from depression functions differently from the brains of those who are not. The areas of the brain that regulate mood, thinking, appetite, and behavior appear to function abnormally. In addition, certain neurotransmitters (chemicals that brain cells use to communicate) appear to be in off-balance.
If you identify several of the signs and symptoms of depression within yourself, then you need to visit your doctor as soon as possible. Some medications, certain viruses, and thyroid disorders can cause some of the same symptoms as depression. Laboratory and medical tests will help rule out that these symptoms are due to physical illness. If your doctor does not find any medical condition, visit a mental health professional for an evaluation and determine if you are suffering from clinical depression. Fortunately, there are treatments that have helped many people recover. Psychotherapy, individual or group counseling, and sometimes medication can be used as interventions to reduce or eliminate symptoms of this disease that plagues millions of individuals in this country.