What is depression?

Feeling down from time to time is normal, everyone has have things that makes their moods go up and down, setbacks and disappointments are a normal part of life. Sadness and low mood is a normal reaction to sad or disappointing events, as is elation a normal reaction to happy or successful events. This is not depression or manic depression (Bi polar disorder) Depression goes far beyond feeling sad and disappointed about life.  Depression can be described as being in a deep pit and being unable to find any way out, there can be a prolonged feeling of emptiness and a lack of interest and motivation for anything, and it can affect every part of someone’s life and give them  a sense worthless and hopelessness.

How do I know if I am depressed?

When it comes to depression everyone’s symptom are unique to them but they all share a similar vein.. If you identify with several of the following signs and symptoms, and they just won’t go away, you may be suffering from depression.

• Your sleep pattern is disturbed, you can’t get to sleep at night or you wake early and can’t get back to sleep or you sleep too much.

• You can’t concentrate or find that previously easy tasks are now difficult.

• You feel hopeless and helpless and find engaging in life pointless.

• You can’t control your negative thoughts, no matter how much you try.

• You have lost your appetite or you can’t stop eating.

• You’re much more irritable, short-tempered, or aggressive than usual.

• You’re consuming more alcohol than usual.

• You’re engaging in other reckless behaviour.

• You have thoughts that life is not worth living .

• You put off going to bed because you find morning the worst time of day.

• You find you get more niggling pains like headaches, back problems and stomach upsets.

• You have considered suicide.

There are different types of depression and it is believed that it is caused by a combination of biological, psychological and social factors.   This means that your biological make up along with how you chose to live your life, your relationships with others and how you cope with life will have an effect on how likely you are to become depressed.

How can I get on the road to recovery?

Because everyone experience depression differently so the road to recovery will differ from individual to individual and what may work for one person might not work for another.

Understanding why you became depressed will help you to find the right path to overcome it. This can be easier said than done but remember that feeling helpless and overwhelmed by emotions or in some cases a total lack of emotions are symptoms of depression and may not be a true representation of your situation.  Things can change and small steps can make a big difference and having a strong support system will help so let your family and friends know how you are feeling and find out who and how they can support you. It may be necessary to find some professional help from a counsellor, psychotherapist or your doctor. Asking for help doesn’t mean you are weak in fact it takes great strength to recognise you need help and ask for it.

Making some simple lifestyle changes can be a big help, for example;

·        stress management

·        healthy eating and regular exercise

·        relaxation

·        learning to deal with negative thoughts

·        learn how to recognise and express your emotions

·        Know when to ask for professional help and find the right person for you.

Remember when seeking out a professional it is important that you fine a counsellor or group that you feel comfortable with and that this may not be the first one you go to.