Odd question. [ Psychology knowledge is a plus]

[Overdriven]

Is it humanly possible for the mind and body to be in such a relaxed state, that the mind confuses relaxation with depression?

Just creeped up on me that sometimes it may be a little hard to tell the difference as they've both got similiar traits for certain people.

1) Lethargy
2) Lack of wanting to do anything
3) General blahness
4) Random things can upset you if you 'break the mood'

Case study:

Person A is a full time worker, does a job he loves and loves his family, when he gets home and relaxes he can't be bothered to do anything; up the the extent where people get annoyed - Depression or Relaxed?

Person B is a full time worker (also), yet this person doesn't like his job or have a family. He goes home, changes, goes out for the night - coming back in the next day feeling similar to person A; minus he's not pissing anyone off.

We all know depression is different (completely) and both have very different effects.... But, is the initial thinking "I'm depressed" or "I'm relaxed" hard to 'think about'? - Since you could be actually depressed without knowing about it, or you could just be really relaxed.


Would love opinions on this. - Just thought it'd be something to ask and to see what people think


Jason.

EDIT: Yes, I've not using technical gargon...

 

[Gamah]

3) General blahness

That a technical term?

 

[Overdriven]

That a technical term?

I knew I should of edited it - Nah, not using anything technical as I've not done much learning on this part.

 

[Mey]

It's totally subjective but i would have to say no. My favorite definiton of relaxation is as follows.

"A state of deep rest in which the metabolism of the body slows; less oxygen is needed, the heart and respiration rates drop, blood pressure drops, and brain waves slow to an alpha state."​

Depression and being relaxed are two totally different things.

The DSM IV states:

For a diagnosis of a major depression:

1. At least 5 of the following symptoms.
2. These symptoms must be present during the same 2 week period.
3. These symptoms must represent a change from a previous level of functioning.

• Depressed mood, nearly every day during most of the day.
• Marked diminished interest or pleasure in almost all activities.
• Significant weight loss (when not dieting), weight gain, or a change in appetite.
• Insomnia or hypersomnia (excess sleep).
• Psychomotor agitation or psychomotor retardation.
• Fatigue or loss of energy.
• Feelings of worthlessness or inappropriate guilt.
• Impaired ability to concentrate or indecisiveness
• Recurrent thoughts of death, recurrent suicidal

Also being relaxed requires you concious decision to attempt to get into the state of relaxation, whereas depression is something which occurs unconciously.

 

[Roalith]

Relaxation is a symptom of fulfilment/being fulfilled, depression is the antithesis surely?

 

[Naffets]

EDIT: Yes, I've not using technical gargon...

Let me get this straight, you're not using technical gargon...


RIIIIGHT

On topic, i've no idea

edit: edited so im not retarded too

 

[Nate]

Psychomotor agitation or psychomotor retardation.

what does this mean in a more basic term?

 

[Javai]

The traits may be similar but the actual way you feel is very different - there are different levels of lethargy/don't want to do anythingness but our language often limits how we describe them.

Depression can also have many other forms and is often related to anxiety which is absent in relaxtion.

 

[Mey]

Psychomotor retardation is a visible slowing down of physical reactions, movements, and speech.

 

[old.Tohtori]

Well the first one isn't relaxed, he's lazy and that's what annoys people

The whole "i work so i can rest" thing just doesn't cut it.

If you're relaxed, like i tend to be about EVERYTHING, its just taking things with a chill pill covered in that pinchy salt

If you want to rest after work, it's lazynes. The good kind of that sort, but lazynes.

 

[Nate]

Psychomotor retardation is a visible slowing down of physical reactions, movements, and speech.

and the first one? psychomotor agitation? you get angry slowly? keep it inside etc?

 

[Sparx]

well being a depression sufferer i know there is a distinct difference.

Being relaxed and not wanting to do anything there is still a sense that its deserved and in enjoyment.

Being depressed you tend to have a feeling where you cant be bothered to do things or upset with things and have totally no idea why

 

[Mey]

and the first one? psychomotor agitation? you get angry slowly? keep it inside etc?

Psychomotor agitation is the opposite, excessive non-productive movement, so for example, pacing about a room in a specific path.