What is Depression?
Depression is a type of mental illness that many people suffer from during long periods in their life. It is much more than just feeling sad or upset for a while as depression involves a wide complex mix of many emotions and behaviours such as low mood, hopelessness or frustration. Generally people with Depression have long term periods of low mood for several months or longer.
It can make life in general harder to deal with because of low energy, lack of motivation, irritability or preventing you from concentrating. Depression at it's worst it can make you feel suicidal but there is always support.
Depression affects a wide range of people through difficult times in their life which generally makes life more of an struggle and can make things seem not worth it. But at it's most severe, depression can be life-threatening because it can cause you to self harm or make you feel suicidal.
There are some that think depression is some small issue and not a real concern for getting support however that is further from the truth. It isn't something that can be fixed by going for a walk or "snapping yourself out of it"
The good news is that Depression is widely researched and has many different forms of treatment to help you live a long healthy life.
It can make life in general harder to deal with because of low energy, lack of motivation, irritability or preventing you from concentrating. Depression at it's worst it can make you feel suicidal but there is always support.
Depression affects a wide range of people through difficult times in their life which generally makes life more of an struggle and can make things seem not worth it. But at it's most severe, depression can be life-threatening because it can cause you to self harm or make you feel suicidal.
There are some that think depression is some small issue and not a real concern for getting support however that is further from the truth. It isn't something that can be fixed by going for a walk or "snapping yourself out of it"
The good news is that Depression is widely researched and has many different forms of treatment to help you live a long healthy life.
What are the causes of Depression?
Sometimes there's a trigger for depression. Life-changing events, such as bereavement, losing your job or even having a baby, can bring it on.
People with a family history of depression are more likely to experience it themselves. But you can also become depressed for no obvious reason.
Depression is fairly common, affecting about one in 10 people at some point during their life. It affects men and women, young and old.
Studies have shown that about 4% of children aged five to 16 in the UK are anxious or depressed with about 264 million worldwide.
People with a family history of depression are more likely to experience it themselves. But you can also become depressed for no obvious reason.
Depression is fairly common, affecting about one in 10 people at some point during their life. It affects men and women, young and old.
Studies have shown that about 4% of children aged five to 16 in the UK are anxious or depressed with about 264 million worldwide.
Short Film about Depression
Credit: This short film was made by Kat Napiorkowska.
What are the symptoms?
Depression commonly affects your thoughts, your emotions, your behaviours and your overall physical health. If you find that you have several of these symptoms then it is recommended that you talk to someone you trust.
Depression comes along with many symptoms but are are the most common:
Feelings & Emotions:
Depression comes along with many symptoms but are are the most common:
Feelings & Emotions:
- Sadness
- Hopelessness
- Guilt
- Moodiness
- Anger outbursts
- Loss of interest in things such as family, school, hobbies & sex
- Trouble concentrating
- Trouble making decisions
- Trouble remembering
- Thoughts of harming yourself or others
- Delusions and/or hallucinations can also occur in cases of severe depression
- Withdrawing from people
- Substance abuse such as drugs or alcohol
- Missing work, school or other commitments in life
- Attempts to harm yourself or others
- Tiredness or lack of energy
- Unexplained aches and pains
- Changes in appetite
- Weight loss
- Weight gain
- Changes in sleep – sleeping too much, too little or not sleeping at all
- Sexual problems
Who do I talk to about feeling this way?
It is crucial for somebody feeling this way to open up and share their thoughts and feelings with someone to begin the first step of feeling well again. Dealing with depression often leads to social isolation and 'bottling things up' which may prevent you from getting the support that you need.
Talking to others will help you begin to build a network of support, unburden yourself, get advice and a better perspective on what your going through.
There are many people to talk to, such as:
Talking to others will help you begin to build a network of support, unburden yourself, get advice and a better perspective on what your going through.
There are many people to talk to, such as:
- Family, Friends or Neighbours
- Professionals such as a GP, Youth Worker or Teacher
- Various mental health services and charities which can be found here
What treatments are available?
There are so many treatments available for Depression that work for different people, however it is important to find something that works for you by having a chat with your Doctor/GP. They will give you the support you deserve.
Do try to remember that everyone is different and some treatments may work for some but not for others, it's all about trial and error to find out what works for you.
These treatments include:
Some of these treatments go hand in hand with each other such as talking therapy and anti depressants. Don't rely on one form of support, try and get as much help as possible to ensure a steady recovery.
Do try to remember that everyone is different and some treatments may work for some but not for others, it's all about trial and error to find out what works for you.
These treatments include:
- Therapy such as CBT or IPT
- Counselling
- Antidepressant medication ie. Prozac - Keep in mind that these take at least 4-6 weeks and it will take time to find one that works for you.
- Self help groups
- Diet & Exercise
- Daily structure & routine
- Education & Awareness - It's so important to be aware and have some knowledge on your mental health, such as identifying triggers, knowing what helps and what to avoid such as particular songs for example
Some of these treatments go hand in hand with each other such as talking therapy and anti depressants. Don't rely on one form of support, try and get as much help as possible to ensure a steady recovery.
For more information on Depression, please visit www.mentalhealth.org.uk/a-to-z/d/depression