Not Only Sadness But Also Irritability Is A Sign Of Depression
Not only persistent and intense sadness, hopelessness and dejection indicate depression. Also irritability is a common indication that initially is often overlooked.
Depressed people are not always sad; some are irritable, unstable, or frustrated. Somatic complaints, mood swings, malaise, physical pain, and emotional roller coaster rides can also be caused by emotional problems such as depression.
Expressions such as anger, numbness, irritability, aggressiveness or authoritarian behavior are in many cases failed attempts to overcome the deep abyss of depression.
Irritability as a diagnostic criterion for depression
According to the criteria of the latest version of the Diagnostic Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) and the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10), the clinical diagnosis of depression can be made if the person shows irritability instead of sadness.
That is, a constantly moody person who exhibits anger, inappropriate behavior, and exaggerated frustration can suffer from a pathologically depressed mood.
Children and adolescents with depression are more likely to be irritable or instable than sad or discouraged. However, this condition should not be confused with an overly spoiled child who also shows frustration and irritability.
Neither sadness nor irritability are sufficient criteria to diagnose depression.
Sadness and irritability: emotional states that are treated unfairly
In fact, sadness and irritability are healthy emotional states because they usually inform you that there is a disorder or problem. They only become pathological when they distort our lives and severely impair our personal, social and professional realms over a long period of time.
Irritability generally needs to be treated with caution because it can have very negative effects if it becomes chronic. Affected people easily lose control, make unpleasant remarks, are intolerant, impatient and nervous, and react inappropriately. When you observe these signs, you know you have to do something.
Anger or irritability gives depressed people the opportunity to express and express their feelings. If the affected person feels like they are being crushed, this is a great way to vent.
However, she feels depressed, is unstable and has no energy because the pressure is hindering her life. Affected people find it difficult to go about their daily activities. They have no strength to face reality and react with irritability or sadness. In this case, professional help is a must.
