Every desire, action, or choice we make is connected to our internal needs. These needs trigger emotions that push us to act. As long as emotions function properly, everything is fine: we feel energy, find the strength to do things, and experience pleasure from achievements. When a goal is achieved, relaxation emotions activate – they help restore strength. But when these emotions become scarce, everything changes. A person stops feeling joy, their activity decreases, thoughts become foggy, and the body reacts differently. Depression affects not only mood – it influences the entire body, causing changes in thinking, perception, and even physiology.
How Do Emotions Change in Depression?
In depression, emotions do not always disappear completely, but they become dull. Joy fades into the background, replaced by apathy, sadness, and anxiety. These feelings are familiar to everyone, but normally, they come and go, whereas in depression, they linger for a long time. When a person loses someone important, they naturally experience grief – this is a normal reaction. Usually, the emptiness after a loss can be filled with other things: new acquaintances, work, hobbies. But in depression, it is not just the loss of something external – the sense of self-integrity suffers. The person stops perceiving themselves as whole, and this cannot be compensated by ordinary means.
How Depression Affects the Psyche
1. Perception
The surrounding world seems different. A person hears sounds, sees colors, and smells scents, but they do not evoke emotions. What used to bring joy now simply exists without any response. The smell of coffee no longer brings a sense of coziness, and a favorite song does not bring pleasure. Strange bodily sensations may also appear: tingling, numbness, itching. Sometimes, colors seem less vibrant or shift towards colder shades.
2. Attention
A person with depression primarily notices unpleasant things. They will not pay attention to good weather but will notice a dirty puddle. This is not a conscious process – the psyche adapts so that all positive things become insignificant, while negative aspects take center stage.
3. Willpower and Motivation
Usually, we do something because we know it will bring us joy or satisfaction. In depression, this connection breaks – pleasure becomes inaccessible, and along with it, the desire to act disappears. A person may understand that they need to do something but cannot find the strength. This is not weakness but a loss of connection between action and its meaning. Even everyday tasks like calling a friend or preparing food can seem difficult. Additionally, any decision-making becomes overwhelming. Even small choices – what to wear, where to go – can cause inner tension and be postponed.
4. Memory
Memory remains, but retrieving needed information becomes harder. A person may forget what they wanted to say or lose the thread of a conversation. However, if given a hint, they will easily remember. This is not memory loss but difficulty accessing it. Moreover, a person with depression is more likely to recall bad moments rather than good ones – the psyche tends to extract primarily negative memories.
5. Thinking
Thoughts slow down, and analyzing information becomes more difficult. A person may constantly blame themselves, often for insignificant things. In severe cases, thoughts of hopelessness arise – depression makes the future seem bleak.
Conclusion
When the body lacks activating emotions, not only mood changes, but also the perception of the world, the ability to make decisions, and even bodily functions. Depression affects everything – emotions, behavior, and thoughts. Understanding these processes helps to recognize the problem in time and start working on it to regain the ability to enjoy life.
Sometimes one honest conversation is enough to understand the cause of discomfort. If you want to discuss possible treatment options or better understand your feelings, book a consultation at the Plexus center in Warsaw. Here you will be seen by a psychiatrist who speaks Polish and Russian, who will help you find a solution that suits your needs.