Depression and punctuality: new findings in the psychology of time

According to a study by the Universities of Limerick and Hertfordshire, people suffering from depression show remarkable punctuality despite the fact that time flows slowly for them. Scientific evidence confirms that the state of depression affects the perception of time, resulting in the phenomenon of "depressive realism".

In an experiment, it was found that people with and without moderate depression differ in their assessment of the duration of time intervals. Individuals with moderate depression were found to be more accurate in estimating the duration of time. This discovery may be key to understanding the inner world of people with depression and may lead to new treatments.

Many doctors recommend that people with depression actively monitor their current state and not retreat into a world of abstractions. According to British scientists, the tendency to punctuality can be used in the treatment of moderate depression, for example, through the technique of focusing on the present moment.

Dr. Joanna Dixon from the University of Liverpool recommends setting specific goals as an effective method of overcoming depression. Experimental evidence confirms that people suffering from depression tend to set themselves abstract and unattainable goals, which worsens their psychological state and maintains depressed moods. Focusing on concrete, achievable goals can be a meaningful step in the treatment of this mental disorder.