The Greek philosopher Hippocrates believed that the human body contains four main fluids: blood, black bile, yellow bile, and phlegm. A person became ill when these fluids were imbalanced in the body. Too much black bile would cause someone to be depressed and anxious.
How to recognize melancholy?
Melancholy is apparently quite easily recognizable. If we are often sad and depressed, have no desire to talk to people, and have a bad mood, we probably suffer from melancholy.
Melancholy is most often a temporary phenomenon. After a melancholic mood, most people return to their natural emotional state. However, sometimes it happens that this state lasts for a longer period of time. Then we are not talking about melancholy but dysthymia.
According to the International Classification of Diseases ICD-10, dysthymia is “a chronic depressive mood lasting at least 2 years, which is not severe. Characteristic symptoms of dysthymia include:
- loss of interest in everyday activities,
- constant sadness, emptiness or depression,
- feelings of hopelessness,
- fatigue and lack of energy,
- low self-esteem, self-criticism,
- problems with concentration and decision-making,
- irritability or excessive anger,
- decreased activity, efficiency and effectiveness,
- avoidance of meetings,
- feelings of guilt,
- sleep problems,
- pessimistic view of the future or excessive thinking about the past,
- no interest in sex.
In children, symptoms of dysthymia may include a depressive mood and irritability. The first symptoms often begin to appear in childhood or adolescence. Children and adolescents can appear irritable, moody, or pessimistic for a long time. They may have behavioral problems, poor academic performance, and difficulties interacting with other children in social situations. Their symptoms may come and go for several years, and their severity may change over time.
How to prevent melancholy?
First of all, it is important to remember that this mainly concerns us in autumn and winter, so it is good to start defending against it just before this period. The best way to prevent melancholy is to have friends and family around us.
Thanks to our relatives, we feel loved and needed, which reduces the risk of falling into a state of melancholy. It’s worth taking some time for ourselves, which will be a moment to relax or pursue our hobbies.
All states of low mood are supported by fatigue, so let’s focus on the right amount of rest and sufficient sleep, which will promote body regeneration.
What else do you need to remember?
Pleasant physical activity does not overload your body, but helps you stay in shape. We can do aerobics, go to the gym, swim or take a yoga class, which also positively affects our mind. Various forms of meditation, working with the mind, and emotions are also recommended.
Melancholy and Depression The difference between depression and melancholy is that depression is a mental problem that often requires treatment, and melancholy is more of a short-term mood disorder that disappears relatively quickly.
However, there is also a type of depression called melancholic depression. It is a type of depressive disorder that is often considered one of the most serious mental illnesses. As a result, patients may lose their appetite completely, suffer from severe sleep disorders, or experience other serious symptoms. Melancholic depression has its origin in internal factors, while common melancholy is often caused by external factors, such as a depressive atmosphere.
Who is a Melancholic?
Melancholic is the name of one of the types of temperament. It is characterized by a pessimistic attitude towards the world and a tendency to reflection. People with a melancholic temperament are often perfectionists. They are sensitive people who are empathetic and often quiet.