many times the problem is another

In recent years, the use of the word ‘depression’ the truth is that has been expanding to refer to practically any type of state of being a little sadder than normal. This is precisely what you wanted highlight the psychologist Marian Rojas, who points out that “many people don’t have depression, what they have is an empty life”a phenomenon that deserves a careful approach from medicine to avoid diagnostic confusion and inadequate treatment.

In this way, when there is an existential voidyou may even think that what you are suffering from is depression. But the reality is very different, and the treatment may be useless (beyond the placebo effect).

What is existential emptiness? It is described as a feeling of lack of meaning, purpose or satisfaction in the life one is having. In this way, it is not a mental disorder per se, but rather a human state that can generate anguish, hopelessness and disconnection with oneself and the environment. According to Viktor Frankl, a pioneer in logotherapy, existential emptiness occurs when the individual does not find reasons that give meaning to their existence, generating deep vital frustration and a feeling of “being empty inside”.

existential void. In this way, scientific studies support that existential emptiness is associated with feelings of hopelessness and apathy, and may be a risk factor for develop an anxiety problem or depression if not addressed in time. But it is not that existential emptiness is a synonym for suffering from depression; it is a mental disorder that alters, in a very basic way, the chemistry of our brain.

What is certain is that this lack of meaning is also linked to a greater risk of suicide, mainly when the person feels useless or disoriented in their life purpose.

What is clinical depression. On the other hand, we have this mental disorder that can be diagnosed by a doctor and is characterized by a persistent combination of symptoms such as deep sadness, loss of interest or pleasure, fatigue, changes in appetite and sleep. This is a condition that requires a combination of psychological therapy along with drugs that can partially reverse this situation.

It is important to note that although depression can lead to feelings of emptiness, sadness and hopelessness, existential emptiness can appear without the clinical signs that allow depression to be diagnosed. Therefore, not all discomfort related to life dissatisfaction should automatically be labeled as depression.

Key differences. The first thing to understand in this case is that depression manifests itself with persistent symptoms for at least two weeks and that it affects multiple areas of life. But experimental emptiness can be a less intense discomfort that is limited to more temporary situations.

Furthermore, depression presents clear physical symptoms such as fatigue or sleep disturbance, something that does not match the existential emptiness that is related to a lack of purpose and meaning in life.

But a more important point is that in depression there is a biochemical alteration in the brain related to serotonin and other neurotransmitters. And that is why we give specific drugs to increase the concentration of these molecules that are altered in this mental disorder. But in the existential void this does not happen.

Why it is important. Differentiating them is essential to provide the best possible help, because treating a person with depression is not the same as treating a person with an experimental void.

As we have said before, clinical depression may require pharmacological treatment, cognitive therapy or even both at the same time. But on the other hand, the experimental void only needs psychotherapeutic interventions aimed at finding meaning and personal values.

Because basically giving an antidepressant to someone who does not have depression is like giving them candy, since if there is no alteration in the level of neurotransmitters in the brain, the effect is null. It is the same as giving antidepressants to someone who does not have this disease, since it will not cause any effect or even greater euphoria.

Regain control of the narrative. What Marian Rojas puts on the table It is not a denial of depression.a serious and real illness that requires rigorous treatment, but a warning about how we are interpreting our own discomfort.

In a hyperconnected but socially atomized world, it is easy to feel that emptiness. The easy solution is to ask for a medical diagnosis that validates our pain. The difficult solution, but often the necessary one according to modern psychology, is to accept that sometimes being unwell does not mean being sick, but rather it is a warning signal from our brain to make structural changes in how we live, what we work at, and who we love.

As studies on quality of life and mental health suggest, the cure for the “empty life” is not in the pharmacy, but in the reorientation of values ​​and reconnection with a purpose, something that, unfortunately, no algorithm or prescription can do for us.

Images | Sydney Latham Nik Shuliahin

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