Psychiatry

Depression is a medical condition characterized by symptoms such as low mood, loss of pleasure, lack of motivation, and an inability to enjoy life.
It is not the same as temporary sadness or a short period of feeling down.
Depression is defined as a persistent low mood lasting at least two weeks, significantly affecting a person’s ability to function in daily life.

Symptoms of Depression

• Persistent sadness, loss of interest or pleasure, social withdrawal, and a feeling of emptiness.

• Intense feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, and guilt.

• Difficulty concentrating and paying attention.

• Irritability, anger, or difficulty controlling emotions.

• Loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities.

• Appetite changes (either increase or decrease), resulting in weight gain or loss.

• Tension, restlessness, or anxiety.

• Headaches, abdominal pain, muscle aches, and generalized body pain.

• Thoughts of death or suicide.

• Insomnia or excessive sleep.

• Fatigue, low energy, and lack of motivation.

• Slowed physical movements and speech.

Risk Factors for Depression

• Major life events and stressors.

• Personality traits that increase vulnerability.

• Genetic predisposition.

• Early loss of a parent or loved one.

• Alcohol or substance abuse.

• Living alone or being divorced.

• History of previous depressive episodes.

• Chronic medical illnesses.

• Use of certain medications.

Treatment of Depression

Depression can be effectively treated with medication and psychotherapy.
In addition to these medical approaches, social support plays a crucial role in recovery.
Early diagnosis, professional treatment, and a supportive environment help individuals regain emotional balance, improve functionality, and rebuild quality of life.

Cognitive distortions are exaggerated and irrational thought patterns that cause individuals to perceive reality inaccurately or incorrectly.
A person evaluates themselves and their surroundings through these dysfunctional thinking styles, which often lead to emotional distress and negative interactions with others.
As a result, both self-perception and relationships can be negatively affected, causing psychological strain.

Types of Cognitive Distortions

1. Overgeneralization:
Drawing broad conclusions based on a single negative event.

2. Personalization:
Taking responsibility for events that are not actually related to oneself.

3. Catastrophizing:
Assuming that the worst possible outcome will happen without considering other possibilities.

4. Mind Reading:
Believing that you know what others are thinking about you without any concrete evidence.

5. Labeling:
Assigning negative or inappropriate labels to yourself or others without sufficient evidence.

6. Arbitrary Inference:
Reaching a conclusion without realistic or adequate proof.

7. Selective Abstraction:
Focusing on a single negative detail of an event while ignoring the broader context.

8. Magnification and Minimization:
Exaggerating the importance of negative events or downplaying positive ones.

9. “Should” Thinking:
Relying on rigid and unrealistic internal rules, such as “I should…” or “I must…”, which often lead to guilt, disappointment, and frustration.

Psychiatrist Dr. Şakir Özdemir emphasizes that recognizing and correcting these thinking errors through cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can significantly improve emotional well-being, problem-solving skills, and overall mental health.