Depression - you are not alone

One in four women and one in ten men will suffer from depression at least once in their life. Don't tell me to 'snap out of it' or to 'pull myself together' because sometimes you just can't. 

What is Depression 

To say that one is depressed is very common as people may refer to themselves as being 'depressed' when they have a bad day at work or school or failed an exam etc when they actually just mean that they are fed up. Life is a series of ups and downs so whilst this is considered to be normal behaviour, most people recover from this quite quickly. 

However, for people suffering from depression a low mood and other symptoms which we will look at later will persist every single day for at least two weeks and sometimes for a much longer period of time. These symptoms might even be so severe that they interfere with every day life. 

Causes of Depression

The cause of depression is not fully known yet it is believed that depression is brought about in a variety of ways.

Genetics. Experts have considered that if depression runs in the family it is more likely to affect some than others. 

Life events may also trigger feelings of depression. For example a bereavement or illness.

Depression, as mentioned above is more prevalent in woman that in men and it is believed that common times for depression to occur are after childbirth (post natal depression) and the menopause.

Symptoms 

The main symptoms of depression are: 

• a constant feeling of sadness or low mood 
• Loss in interest or pleasure activities that you used to enjoy

As with many mental illnesses, people may experience depression in different ways. It is thought, however that the following list of symptoms, and in particular if more than five of the nine is observed, is a common sign of depression: 

•  Change in sleeping pattern. This may relate to insomnia, finding it hard to get to sleep, waking up in the middle of the night and being unable to get back to sleep or even sleeping too much. 
• Appetite differing - for some this may mean eating less, loss of appetite and weight loss whilst for others this may signify comfort eating and weight gain.
• Lack of energy and feeling tired (fatigue) ALL the time.
• Agitation or slowing of movements.
• Indecisiveness and finding it hard to concentrate. For example difficulty focussing on work, reading etc.
• Feelings of worthlessness, or excessive or inappropriate guilt.
• Thoughts of death. Not usually the fear of death but rather a preoccupation with dying. This may progress into suicidal thoughts.

If you or anyone you know suffer/s from depression know that you are not weak and you are not alone. 

Click here or here for advice on how to get help