Depression
What is Depression?
Most of us feel sad, discouraged, or "down" every now and then, but for some people, this mood does not go away. When a person feels like this for a month or more, it seems that every day is a hard day, it gets in the way of day-to-day life. Depression is much more than just a low mood. We all feel sad from time to time, but for some people the feeling does not go away. People who feel low most of the time may have an illness called depression. Often people with depression also experience constant worry (anxiety).
Behaviour signs can be:
- stopping going out, stopping spending time with family or friends
- stopping doing things you enjoy
- finding it hard to concentrate and get things done
- drinking alcohol or taking drugs to feel better
- finding it hard to get up in the morning
- reduced sex drive
Thoughts may dominate of:
- I can’t do anything right
- I’m worthless
- Nothing good ever happens to me
- I‘m a failure
- Life’s not worth living
Feelings can be ‘numb’ or rage; of feeling:
- overwhelmed
- guilt
- indecisive, can’t concentrate
- miserable
- unhappy
- frustrated
- irritable
- disappointed
- no confidence
- empty or lonely
Health may suffer:
- feeling tired all the time
- constantly unwell and run down
- having trouble sleeping
- headaches and muscle pains
- change in appetite
- dramatic weight loss or gain
Some things that increase the risk of depression are:
- a past experience of depression
- a family history of depression
- loss or stress, including unemployment, loneliness, lifestyle changes or relationship problems
- feeling at odds with your environment (eg, your work, home or other surroundings)
- psychological or physical trauma in the past
- physical illness or long-term health problems
- some medicines, check this with your doctor
- alcohol and drugs can make depression worse