Understanding depression

In its mildest form, depression can mean being in low spirits, but at its most severe, major depression (clinical depression) can be life threatening and highly distressing.

Some people suffer from Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which sees them become depressed during winter due to lack of daylight, and many new mothers suffer from Postnatal depression any time between two weeks and two years after the birth of their baby. But depression can arise from any number of problems.

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What are the symptoms of depression? 

Depression can affect everyone differently. Some symptoms and signs include:

• being restless and agitatedrestless and agitated
• sleeping problems
• feeling tired and lacking energy; doing less and less
• crying a lot
• difficulty remembering things
• feeling low-spirited for much of the time, every day
• being unusually irritable or impatient
• losing interest in your sex life
• finding it hard to concentrate or make decisions
• blaming yourself and feeling unnecessarily guilty about things
• lacking self-confidence and self-esteem
• being preoccupied with negative thoughts
• feeling numb, empty and despairing
• feeling helpless
• distancing yourself from others; not asking for support
• taking a bleak, pessimistic view of the future
• experiencing a sense of unreality
• self-harming (by cutting yourself, for example)
• thinking about suicide

How can I help myself? 

Fight negative attitudes - Try to recognise your negative thinking pattern and replace it with a more constructive activity. Look for things to do that occupy your mind.

Care for yourself 

Look after yourself by eating healthily. Oily fish, in particular, may help alleviate some symptoms of depression. Don’t abuse tobacco, alcohol or other drugs which can make your depression worse.

Alternative therapies 

Acupuncture, massage, homeopathy and herbal medicine can all be beneficial.

Self-help groups 

Talk to your GP or visit MIND, the National Association for Mental Health at www.mind.org.uk.

What treatments are available? 

Antidepressants

• Antidepressants work on chemical messengers in the brain to lift your mood. The usual recommendation is that you stay on them for six months. There can be some unpleasant side effects, which are worse to begin with.
• Of the various different types available, SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) are usually better tolerated.
• When coming off anti-depressants, it is important to reduce the dose slowly over a period of weeks to avoid withdrawal symptoms.

Psychological treatments

• Counselling can be short or long-term. It involves talking with someone who is trained to listen with empathy while you express your feelings and find your own solutions to your problems.
• Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) identifies and helps change negative feelings affecting behaviour and may last up to 12 months.
• Interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) focuses on relationships. Therapy often continues for six to 12 months.
• Psychodynamic counselling or psychotherapy focuses on how past experiences may be contributing to experiences and feelings in the present.
• Psychotherapy is not usually available on the NHS. It is more frequent and intensive than counselling. For lists of qualified and regulated therapists, visit the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy at www.bacp.co.uk.

Source:  http://www.retailtrust.org.uk/products/retailhub/emotional-support/understanding-depression?gclid=CMekr5CZjs0CFRG3GwodQSsHeA