DEPRESSION – ‘MASKED DEPRESSION’
Masked depression may show itself as other symptoms such as chronic fatigue, bowel disorders, indigestion or headaches.
Pessimism, despair and withdrawal are usually characteristic of all depressed states.
A reactive depression may last for six to 12 months and then spontaneously lift or the depression may persist for many years, varying a little up or down.
It is important for the doctor, for those who counsel people and for those who work and live with a depressed person to recognise that any depression may lead to suicide if the person feels hopeless.
Other treatment is ineffective unless the correct diagnosis is made.
Anxiety may be associated with depression and may mask it. Only the anxiety may be seen and a tranquilliser prescribed. Most tranquillisers do nothing for the underlying depression. The anxiety state calms down but this allows the depression to well up.
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