Depression affects one in five people at some point in their lives. Anyone can get low at times, but with depression, the feelings don’t go away quickly or become so bad they interfere with everyday life.
The feeling of depression is deeper, longer and more unpleasant than the short periods of unhappiness that we all have from time to time.
This presents a very bleak picture. However, it’s important to remember that depression isn’t an absolute – it’s not simply a case of either you’re depressed or you’re not. There’s a progression from feeling blue to the full clinical illness described above. Even then, you won’t suffer from every symptom.
CausesSometimes there may be an obvious reason for becoming depressed, sometimes not. There is usually more than one cause and different people have different reasons.
It may seem obvious why – a relationship breakdown, bereavement or even the birth of a child – but sometimes it’s not clear. Either way, it can become so bad that you need help.
Often people don’t realise how depressed they are, because the depression has come on gradually. They may try to struggle on and cope by keeping busy. This can make them even more stressed and exhausted. This can cause physical pains, such as constant headaches, or sleeplessness.
Symptoms of depression include:
- Losing interest in life
- Finding it harder to make decisions
- Not coping with things that used to be manageable
- Exhaustion
- Feeling restless and agitated
- Loss of appetite and weight
- Difficulties getting to sleep
Treatment
There are two types of treatment available: talking treatments and medication. Both can be accessed through your doctor.
Talking treatments
- Counselling helps you to talk about your feelings in private with a sympathetic professional. Your GP may have a counsellor at the surgery.
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy can help to overcome the powerful negative thoughts that are part of depression.
- Interpersonal and dynamic therapies can help if you have difficulties getting on with other people. A relationship counsellor might be helpful if you’re having difficulties with your partner.
- If you have a disability or are caring for a relative, a self-help group may give you support.
Comments are closed.