Depression

Depression is experienced differently by different people, here are some common features:

• Feeling low or sad
• Being tearful
• Feeling numb
• Avoiding people and situations (social isolation)
• Feeling worthless, useless, self-blaming and perhaps suicidal
• Low motivation and poor concentration
• Thinking negatively
• Seeing the worst in things
• Significant changes in sleeping patterns and eating habits
• Loss of enthusiasm, interest and enjoyment

The feelings and state of depression can be normal response to certain life events (loss of job, bereavement or divorce), but sometimes the it may feel like the depression comes from nowhere.

It is estimated that one in six people have a severe depressive episode at some time in life. In its milder form depression makes living life to the full seem difficult and less worthwhile. At its most severe the state of depression can be life-threatening.

Help with depression

Depression can be helped using medical and non medical treatments.

Medical treatments

If you think your life is being affected by depression, you should always consider visiting your GP. In some circumstances the GP may refer to a specialist for further help.

Non-medical treatments

In certain circumstances a GP will suggest non-medical treatments for depression as an alternative or addition to medical treatment. The following non medical treatments can help in the treatment of anxiety.

Moving Out of Depression Most people do recover from depression. Physical movement is said to be important to counteract the 'in the head' negative thoughts and 'heaviness' that accompanies depression so activities such as walking, dancing, swimming, etc are beneficial.

It can be tempting to try to find release from depression by abusing food, casual sex, drugs or alcohol, this will bring its own problems. When feeling depressed it is very important to find time and space to look after yourself physically and mentally.

Counselling and psychotherapy

Counselling and psychotherapy can help to reduce the symptoms of depression. Click here to see our 3 step guide to start counselling and psychotherapy.

Further information and support

The Samaritans