How Depression Affects Our Thinking and Decision

According to a recent study, individuals with severe depressive symptoms tend to make less productive decisions and engage in less adaptive decision making. The researchers discovered that this was due to a lower tendency of such people to search for available information that could assist them in problem-solving, and a higher likelihood of using fewer resources.

Depression can adversely affect a vital cognitive function known as executive skills. These skills are necessary when planning and organizing the completion of a task. For instance, filling out paperwork at work requires executive thinking since it involves planning how to complete the task, identifying resources required for information, and deciding how to present facts on the document. In individuals with depression, the executive function is significantly impaired.

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A 2018 study by a group of psychologists at the University of Sussex, UK has found the underlying cause of this link. The study revealed that in depression, the brain appears to age faster; consequently, people with depression may be at an increased risk of dementia and cognitive decline later in life.

Severe depression can lead to a decline in your cognitive abilities. This will no doubt reduce your performance at work, school, and even how enjoyable your interpersonal relationships are. However, there are a few things you must know – and do – to rev up your thinking skills and boost your executive function.

This may take a lot of practice and patience, but the idea is that once your mind regains a positive outlook, it feeds other areas of your brain, especially the parts that coordinate executive functions. In addition, a positive mental outlook gives you both mental and physical strength to carry out and complete tasks.

2. Stay Organized

A great way to boost your decision-making and cognitive skills is to stay organized. First, break large tasks into small, achievable chunks and take them from there. Large tasks may seem overwhelming until you break them down into smaller chunks that make their execution and completion seamless.

Furthermore, create to-do lists. This helps you keep track of your progress and manage your time more efficiently. Without a to-do list, work will seem arduous and more difficult to achieve. This only complicates things as it would keep you feeling overwhelmed and unable to even begin.

3. Handle Fewer Decisions

Reduced thinking skills and processing speeds are not uncommon in sleep-deprived non-depressed people. Now in people with depression, going several days without adequate sleep may exacerbate the problem.

4. Get Enough Sleep

A 2018 study by a group of psychologists at the University of Sussex, UK has found the underlying cause of this link. The study revealed that in depression, the brain appears to age faster; consequently, people with depression may be at an increased risk of dementia and cognitive decline later in life.

When you sleep, your brain repairs itself and reinforces the connections necessary to retain information processed during the day. To enhance your thinking speed, you can take the first step by sleeping more. The American Psychological Association recommends adults to sleep for 6-8 hours each night. Sleeping less than this amount may impair your thinking ability. It is crucial to discuss the quality of your sleep with your family doctor and psychiatrist, especially in relation to how depression impacts decision-making and thinking.