Depression is very common - one in five (1) people become depressed at some point in their lives. Anyone can get low, but someone is said to be suffering from depression when these feelings don’t go away quickly or become so bad they interfere with their everyday life.
Sometimes there may be an obvious reason for becoming depressed, such as a relationship breakdown or a bereavement |
or even the birth of a child. However sometimes it is not at all clear exactly what is causing the change in you; it could be that it's a build up of various stressors, sometimes people will feel confused; "I don't understand what I have to feel depressed about". Either way, these feelings can become so overwhelming that you need help.
The feeling of depression is deeper, longer and more unpleasant than the short episodes of unhappiness that everyone experiences occasionally.
You may experience:
The feeling of depression is deeper, longer and more unpleasant than the short episodes of unhappiness that everyone experiences occasionally.
You may experience:
- persistent sadness or low mood
- not being able to enjoy things
- losing interest in life
- finding it harder to make decisions
- not coping with things that used to be easy
- feeling exhausted
- feeling restless and agitated
- change in appetite and weight
- difficulties getting to sleep
- loss of sex drive
- thoughts of self-harm or suicide.
Sometimes people don't realise at first how depressed they are because it has come on so gradually. You may try to struggle on and cope by keeping busy. This can make you even more stressed and exhausted. Physical pains, such as constant headaches or sleeplessness, then start. Sometimes these physical symptoms can be the first sign of a depression.
The important thing to do is to try to talk to someone and look for the right kind of help for you. Generally, self-help and talking therapies are best for mild depression. They are also very helpful for moderate depression although sometimes antidepressants may complement the talking therapy. However if your depression is severe, you are more likely to need antidepressants before talking treatments will be most effective. It will be very important to get emotional support and have someone to talk to whether thats friends, family or a professional.
If you are feeling suicidal, scared, distressed - seek help as soon as you possibly can. Call a friend, a relative, your GP or call the Samaritans on 116 123, who will listen and support you at any time of the day or night.
At times when things feel completely overwhelming it can be very difficult to see a light at the end of the tunnel.
But with the right help you will get there, remember how common depression is - you aren't alone even if you feel you are.
The important thing to do is to try to talk to someone and look for the right kind of help for you. Generally, self-help and talking therapies are best for mild depression. They are also very helpful for moderate depression although sometimes antidepressants may complement the talking therapy. However if your depression is severe, you are more likely to need antidepressants before talking treatments will be most effective. It will be very important to get emotional support and have someone to talk to whether thats friends, family or a professional.
If you are feeling suicidal, scared, distressed - seek help as soon as you possibly can. Call a friend, a relative, your GP or call the Samaritans on 116 123, who will listen and support you at any time of the day or night.
At times when things feel completely overwhelming it can be very difficult to see a light at the end of the tunnel.
But with the right help you will get there, remember how common depression is - you aren't alone even if you feel you are.