Depression 

Depression is common - one in five people become depressed at some point in their lives. Anyone can get low at times, but someone is said to be suffering from depression when these feelings don’t go away quickly or become so bad they interfere with their everyday life.

Why do people get depressed?

Sometimes there may be an obvious reason for becoming depressed, sometimes not. There is usually more than one reason and reasons are different for different people. The reason may seem obvious – a relationship breakdown or a bereavement or even the birth of a child – sometimes it is not clear. Either way, these feelings can become so bad that you need help.

What does it feel like to be depressed?

The feeling of depression is deeper, longer and more unpleasant than the short episodes of unhappiness that everyone experiences occasionally.

Symptoms include:

• losing interest in life;
• finding it harder to make decisions;
• not coping with things that used to be manageable;
• feeling exhausted;
• feeling restless and agitated;
• loss of appetite and weight
• difficulties getting to sleep.

How do I know if I am depressed?

Often people don’t realise how depressed they are, because it has come on so gradually. They may try to struggle on and cope with feelings of depression by being very busy. This can make them even more stressed and exhausted. Physical pains such as constant headaches or sleeplessness then start. Sometimes these physical symptoms can be the first sign of a depression.