Many believe that depression is defined by persistent sadness or low mood, but its effects can extend far beyond emotions.One of the most significant yet lesser-known impacts of depression is on executive function – our brain’s ability to plan, organize, and solve problems effectively. When your executive function is impaired, daily activities like making a grocery list or scheduling appointments can feel overwhelming. In this blog, we’ll explore how depression can affect cognitive processes, with a specific focus on executive functioning.
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Cognitive Processing and Depression
Our brains are working 24/7 to make sense of the world around us, whether you’re at school, work, or at home. This ongoing mental activity is called cognitive processing, and depression can severely impact it in various ways:
- Memory Challenges – People with depression have been shown to have decreased short and long term memory capacity. For those struggling with depression, it can be hard to recall positive or neutral events due to a focus on memories associated with negative emotions. These negative emotions can feel like a dark cloud casting over your mind
- Poor Judgment – Depression can amplify our negative emotions, while clouding decision-making abilities. This may lead to impulsive actions driven by emotional distress rather than logical reasoning.
- Lack of Focus and Attention – Concentration can also become significantly reduced as a result of depression. A person with depression may find themselves preoccupied with negative thoughts, causing them to lose track of time or struggle to stay on task. Adding an overwhelming workload to this mental strain can overstimulate the mind, worsening attention issues.
- Loss of Motivation – An extremely common symptom of depression is low motivation, which often stems from a sense of hopelessness. This lack of drive and initiative can eventually lead to procrastination, which worsens feelings of hopelessness.
The Brain and Executive Functioning
Although there is limited research on the complex interplay between depression and executive function, depression causes many changes within the brain that are believed to affect cognitive ability as well. As a result of its complex nature, a multi-faceted approach is required to address the cognitive impacts of depression. Here are some healthy lifestyles changes you can incorporate to combat depression
- Incorporate regular exercise in your weekly routine. Exercising produces endorphins, which are natural mood boosters that we lack when suffering from depression.
- Make a consistent sleep schedule that you can follow almost everyday. Giving yourself the proper time to rest will provide you with lasting energy throughout the day, and strengthen your mental resilience.
In addition to lifestyle changes, starting therapy can help you escape the suffocating and self-reinforcing cycle of negative thoughts caused by depression.If you want to take control of your mental health, please don’t hesitate to start your therapy journey, and schedule a free consultation with one of our excellent depression therapists here at Relucent!
