What is depression?

Depression is a very common problem. Many adults will at some time experience symptoms of depression. Children also encounter depression. The most severe depression can be life threatening, with thoughts of death and suicide.

These are some of the signs or symptom:

• Feeling sad, guilty, upset, numb or despairing
• Losing interest and enjoyment in things
• Crying a lot or feeling unable to cry
• Feeling alone even if you are in company
• Tiredness
• Restlessness
• Sleep problems, especially waking early or interrupted sleep
• Feeling worse at a particular time of the day, usually morning
• Changes in appetite eating and weight
• Losing confidence in yourself
• Expecting the worst and having negative or gloomy thoughts
• Thinking that everything seems hopeless
• Thoughts of suicide
• Thinking you hate yourself
• Poor memory or concentration

How these feelings, physical signs and thoughts may affect your life:

• You may find it difficult to do even simple things
• You stop doing your normal activities
• You cut yourself off from other people
• You may become inactive, just doing nothing for long periods of time
• You may feel that you have to double check everything

If you are depressed you may not have all of these symptoms and it is usual to experience some of these feelings from time to time. However, if you frequently feel “down”, “sad” “despairing” you should see your doctor. Most people find it helpful to talk to someone about their feelings and because you see your GP it doesn’t mean that you will automatically be given medication. Sometimes talking things through, changing your lifestyle and getting some support may help you to feel better without drugs.

What causes depression?

No single cause for depression has been found. Usually there is more than one reason and this differs from person to person, but sometimes it can happen without any obvious reason.

Distressing events can make someone start to feel depressed and at times this may turn into a more serious depression from which it is difficult to emerge.

Circumstances can play a part too. Being alone, lonely, having to live on a very low income, physical illness and unemployment can all contribute. Loss and Bereavement too can affect peoples’ mood and bereavement counselling can often help to alleviate depression. People react differently to depression and different situations affect people in a variety of ways; therefore it is important to be more self aware, self care and seek appropriate help and support.

Some people seem to be more vulnerable than others to becoming depressed. This may be because of body make up, body chemistry or because of early life experiences and family influences.

What can I do?

• Monitor your feelings and symptoms over a few weeks
• Engage in some physical activity – discuss with your GP before you begin physical activity if you have been very sedentary
• Find something that interests you and try to spend some time each day doing this hobby or activity
• Do not put pressure on yourself to make huge changes but do try to achieve something productive each day, if only tidying out a drawer, writing a letter etc.
• Look after yourself by eating a well balanced diet, drinking adequate water, reduce or preferably cut out alcohol, it is a depressant
• Do not misuse prescribed medication or use illegal drugs
• Challenge negative thinking
• Try not to become a recluse, spend some time being with or talking to other people

What treatment is available?

• Antidepressants prescribed by your doctor
• Talking therapy – counselling – psychotherapy

There are many kinds of counselling interventions – CBT – Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Person Centred Humanist counselling – longer term psychotherapeutic help. Some GP’s have an in-house counsellor or will make a referral to the local mental health team.

Using a link on a website (see links on this website) Yellow Pages in the Counselling and Advice section or Psychotherapy Section

There are telephone helplines: – these are some that are available

Association for Post Natal Illness – 0207 386 0868

Cruse Bereavement Line – 0844 477 9400

Samaritans – Linkline – local rate 08457 90 90 90