Understanding 'Depression Attacks': A Growing Mental Health Concern
With the spotlight often focused on anxiety attacks, many might overlook the equally impactful but lesser-known “depression attack.” Highlighted recently by HuffPost’s report, this continues to be a growing concern in mental health discussions. Unlike the clinical diagnosis of major depressive disorder (MDD), depression attacks describe a sudden, intense wave of despair and emotional paralysis, as explained by clinical psychologist Comfort Shields, indicating an immediate need for awareness and understanding.
In Thailand, where mental health often intertwines deeply with cultural taboos and socioeconomic challenges, understanding this phenomenon can empower individuals to seek support and acknowledge their mental wellbeing. While depression attacks aren’t clinically diagnosed, they manifest through sharp “attacks” of severe sadness and feelings of helplessness, unlike the prolonged nature of MDD. Monica Amorosi, a licensed mental health counselor, suggests these attacks may seem sudden but are often the result of intensified symptoms due to various triggers.