Nowadays, depression has become well-known and gradually becomes a common mental health problem. Many people express that they are particularly prone to "emotional" (an internet term, abbreviated as "emotional" in English, referring to feeling depressed or unhappy) in the late night. Is this depression?
Late night emo is not depression
Low mood is an important manifestation of depression, but not all low moods are equivalent to depression. Feeling emotional, also known as emotionalization, may only be a temporary and mild emotional fluctuation, which is a common reaction when people face pressure and challenges in life. The state of "emo" may last for several days to weeks, but it will not have a significant impact on an individual's daily functions.
It is easy to "emo" at night, which may be related to the secretion of serotonin in the brain. 5-hydroxytryptamine is a neurotransmitter related to emotional regulation, which has a high concentration in sunny conditions and can bring pleasure. At night, insufficient sunlight may lead to a decrease in serotonin levels in the brain, causing feelings of depression. At night, social activities and external stimuli decrease, which may also make individuals more inclined towards introspection and reflection, thereby exacerbating the emotional state of "emo".
So, late night "emo" does not necessarily mean suffering from depression. Depression can only be diagnosed under the evaluation of a professional doctor when there is prolonged emotional distress that seriously affects an individual's quality of life, work, and social skills.
Diagnostic criteria for depression
Feeling low and exhibiting at least 4 of the following symptoms:
1. Loss of interest and lack of pleasure
2. Decreased energy or fatigue
3. Psychomotor delay or agitation
4. Low self-evaluation, self blame, or feeling guilty
5. Difficulty in association or decline in conscious thinking ability
6. Repeated thoughts of suicide, or suicidal or self injurious behavior
7. Sleep disorders, such as insomnia, early awakening, or excessive sleep
8. Decreased appetite or significant weight loss
9. Decreased libido
Women are more prone to low emotions
Some people have observed that women seem to be more prone to depression and depression than men.
From a physiological perspective, women have more delicate emotions and are more likely to experience frequent fluctuations in hormone levels, such as menstrual cycles, pregnancy, menopause, etc. These may all have a certain impact on emotional stability. From a psychological and social perspective, women often bear the dual pressure of taking care of their families and work. These pressures can also easily lead to emotional problems, leading to depression.
For postpartum women, the risk of depression significantly increases. Postpartum depression is not only closely related to physical changes, but also to the multiple pressures faced by novice mothers, such as insufficient sleep, parenting responsibilities, and identity changes. Due to this complex emotional experience, novice mothers need more attention and understanding from their families.