Psychologist Have Noted That In The Minds Of Suicidal People, Time Seems To Move Significantly Slower.
This article discusses the sensitive topic of suicide, and may contain triggers.
In this article, we will evaluate the experience of those suffering from depression and/or suicidal thoughts being coupled with what is called “psychomotor retardation.” Psychomotor retardation is the apparent slowing down of time commonly experienced by people suffering from severe depression and suicidal thoughts. While this phenomenon occurs only in perception, it can be seen in the way that these people move and behave (Scott, 2013).
The DSM-V suggests that this is a frequent side effect of major depression and dysthymia, or persistent mild depression (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Essentially, psychomotor retardation slows down processing and motor movements; it is the manifestation of the perception of time in the physical world. Most research on this topic has been observation based, or based on the first hand accounts of those who have experienced this phenomenon. In most of these accounts, people report that time seems to slow down – to the point where days feel never ending – and causes them to feel even more trapped by their disorder (Manson, 2013). It is this increase in feeling trapped that led people to suicide.
In addition to psychomotor retardation, psychomotor agitation is another symptom of major depression (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). In experiences with psychomotor agitation, people feel that time has sped up, and their movements and behaviors reflect that. How that translates into thought processes is food for thought.
SOURCES
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th Ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.
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Manson, Mark. (2013). Surviving a Suiciadal Mind. Retrieved from: http://m, worked extensively with children, experience with autism, deafness, and bipolar disorder (personal experience/training)suicide
Gray, Deborah. (2013). What Does Depression Feel Like? Retrieved from: http://www.wingofmadness.com/what-does-depression-feel-like/
Scott, Paula Spencer. (2013). Depression Signs.Retrieved from: https://www.caring.com/articles/depression-signs
edited by Tatum Wilson
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