Depression

What is Depression?

Depression is when a persons mood is low with persistent feelings of sadness is experienced for at least 2 weeks. We can all experience periods in our life where our mood is low and we are feeling unhappy and fed up for a few days. We may use the term “I’m depressed” when often this may be our mood is low and we are experiencing feelings of sadness which is different to actually having depression. Experiencing depression is different in the sense that it is not something a person can “snap out of” and it is not a sign of weakness. It is a common problem that can affect about 1 in 6 people. It can be categorised into different groups of mild, moderate and severe and is very treatable. Depression affects how a person thinks, feels and behaves and can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems.

Depression causes lower motivation to engage in activities and a person can experience a loss of interest in doing things that usually gives you a sense of pleasure and enjoyment. It can interfere with a persons daily functioning regarding poor daily routine, work, social life, family/friends relationships

Depression affects people in different ways and can cause a wide variety of symptoms. The most common symptoms of depression are:

• Increased negative thoughts e.g.  ‘I am usless’ ‘I am a failure’ ‘I have let people down’ ‘I am a burden’
• Persistant feelings of low mood or sadness
• Feelings of unhappiness, worthless, hopelessness,
• Increased anxiety
• Irritable in mood
• Poor motivation – Loss of interest in the things you used to enjoy
• Tearfulness
• Poor Concentration
• Decreased energy – feeling constantly tired
• Poor sleep pattern with trouble falling asleep, staying asleep or sleeping too much
• Poor appetite or overeating
• Low sex drive
• Thoughts of self harm or suicidal ideation
• Moving or speaking slower than usual
• Withdrawing or isolating from family/friends.
• avoiding contact with friends and taking part in fewer social activities

Professional support is often required to determine the correct treatment in order to make a full recovery. CBT is one of the most an evidence based psychological intervention for the treatment for depression.