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What is Depression?
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Depression is a common condition, which will affect one in five people at some stage in their life. The condition has a wide range of psychological and physical effects, which can include feelings of persistent sadness, sleeping problems and, in the most serious of cases, suicidal thoughts or intentions.
What causes depression?
People from all cultures, ages and backgrounds can experience depression. There are many possible reasons for a depressive episode. Usually it is a combination of ‘predisposing' factors; a family history of depression or past experiences which were difficult or traumatic, and ‘trigger' factors such as stress, physical illness, adverse life events, poverty, social isolation, or a lack of supportive relationships.
Treatments
No-one should fear depression; the vast majority of people affected will make full recovery especially after appropriate treatment. Successful treatment can involve a variety of different approaches, including self-help, psychotherapy, and medication.
One in five people will be affected by depression at some stage in their life.1
Following is a list of the most common symptoms of depression. As a general rule, if you have experienced four or more of these symptoms, for most of the day nearly every day, for over two weeks, then you should seek help.
Emotional:
- Feelings of persistent sadness
- Loss of self-confidence and self-esteem
- Lack of enjoyment in things that used to be pleasurable or interesting
- Feelings of hopelessness and helplessness
- Undue feelings of guilt and worthlessness
- Feeling agitated or anxious
- Finding it hard to function at work or college
- Difficulty concentrating
- Thoughts of suicide and death
Physical:
- Tiredness, loss of energy
- Sleeping problems
- Loss of appetite, or overeating
- Loss of sex drive, or sexual problems
- Drinking or smoking more than normal
- Physical aches and pains
- Self-harm
1 The Royal College of Psychiatrists, 1992
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