It is normal to feel sad when we lose a loved one, fail an exam, or even end a relationship.
However, when feelings of sadness is prolonged and affects our daily lives, it is symptomatic of depression.
Other signs of depression include:
- A loss of interest in activities previously enjoyed
- Weight loss or weight gain; or decrease or increase in appetite
- Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep; or sleeping excessively
- Feeling agitated or restless
- Feeling tired and lacking the energy
- Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt
- Difficulty concentrating or having trouble thinking
- Frequent thoughts of death or suicide
How following a daily routine can help manage emotional well-being
Vivian Cheng at her home in West Kowloon. Cheng suffers from depression but finds a healthy daily routine helps her manage her symptoms.
South China Morning Post
In 2011, Vivian Cheng was diagnosed with depression after the collapse of a long-term relationship. Since then, she has been regularly seeing both a psychologist and a psychiatrist, and taking antidepressant medication.
The Hongkonger, who is in her 40s, also joined a support group for people with depression and says that their meetings have been instrumental in her recovery. "I learnt a lot about this complex and misunderstood condition, including the fact that it's a mental illness and that it's normal," she says. "Being in that healing, non-judgmental space also taught me how others deal with their symptoms. Knowing that there are others like me reassures me that I'm not alone in this struggle."
Following a routine has also helped Cheng manage her emotional well-being. She says that making certain activities central to her daily life keeps her feeling grounded and more positive about her future.
