Depression Due to Failure

Failure to achieve something or realize our goals causes hurt, disappointment, frustration, tension, and emotional trauma. Failure is seen as an end of a dream or goal initially; however, with passage of time, we may recover from the sense of loss and defeat.

The initial days of experiencing failure can be very difficult to cope with. Failure is difficult to handle, especially if children are involved.

Failure in examinations can have a very negative impact over the mental health of the child. The child can have feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, frustration, guilt, shame, anger at self and may slip into a depressive condition.

Adults can suffer a sense of failure if they are denied the due for their hard work in their profession, are unable to secure a stable and well paying job, are denied promotion etc.

This can lead to disappointment, demotivation, stagnation, helplessness and frustration, as the person cannot change the situation for better.

Adults can also go into depression due to failure in relationships. Not experiencing a loving and happy relationship, marital conflicts, dissatisfaction with the partner, not being able to meet the needs of the family, lack of emotional and physical compatibility, going through divorce etc can lead to depression.

Depression could be a normal outcome of failure. However, it is important to check the impact this depression creates. After a certain point of time, people are able to overcome their depression using their coping skills, support of family and friends, and bounce back to their normal personality.

However, if the depressive episode becomes severe with each passing day and the person is very distraught due to the failure, external intervention may be needed to help him/her to come to terms with the failure.

Social support and understanding, empathy of family members and help from mental health professionals like counselors, psychiatrists, therapists will help the person to overcome the negative impact experienced due to the failure.