When Feeling Depressed or Anxious

Depression is considered to be caused when the part of the brain associated with emotions and willingness becomes underactive.

We are exposed to a lot of stress as we have worries or are under pressure in our daily lives. Getting enough sleep or a good rest can reduce such stress to some extent. This is because our bodies have natural healing power.

However, if we keep worrying or are under pressure for a long time or if we continue overwork, we may become more likely to develop depression. The symptoms of depression or symptoms suspected of being related to depression are as follows:

(i) Symptoms related to emotions and willingness, such as feeling down, unmotivated, having a hard time concentrating, losing the power to think;

(ii) Symptoms related to sleep, such as having a hard time falling asleep, waking up in the middle of the night, having a hard time getting a good night's sleep or waking up earlier than usual in the morning;

(iii) Symptoms related to appetite, such as having no appetite, food not tasting good, having an upset stomach.

If you have any of the above, it is important to call a specialized institution or counselling service without hesitation.

Reference: "Depression and Depressive States," Fukushima Mental Care Centre, supervised by Misato Oe

• Included in this reference material on March 31, 2017