Problem Solving
Depression often causes life problems that people experience to become overwhelming. Previous strategies used for problem solving may have been ineffective, or may even have made them worse. Why is it that as people get depressed, their ability to solve problems declines? There are several reasons:
- Solving problems takes energy. As depression worsens, energy level often declines.
- Everyday problems take a backseat to a bigger problem: The depression itself. Because the person becomes so concerned about their depression, other problems are often ignored and can get worse.
- Depression causes difficulties in concentration, memory, decision-making ability, and creativity. Most problem-solving requires all of these skills.
- Depression and anxiety often go hand in hand. The stress response (also called the “fight or flight response”) often causes a physical response that can make depression worsen and tends to cause patients to avoid situations which produce stress. This avoidance can make current problems continue or even worsen.
Given all of these factors, it is no great surprise that problems don’t get solved and instead pile up. What can be done? First, recognize that your problem-solving ability may not be as good as it usually is. Don’t beat yourself up over this. It is a normal symptom of depression, and it does get better.
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