Depression
'It's like having the worst flu all day that you just can't kick.' Robbie Williams
Depression affects as many as one in five young people...What is depression?
What causes depression?
How do I know if I have depression?
Manic depression...
Post Natal depression...
What is depression?
Moods are a quick way of talking about loads of different feelings. Being in a 'bad' mood could mean feeling angry, rejected, lonely, bored or upset. A 'good' mood could mean feeling happy, interested, excited, contented or loved.What causes depression?[^ top]
Most of us will feel sad every now and again, usually because of something that is happening around us or how we are feeling about ourselves. So, feeling sad or 'depressed' can be a healthy reaction things that are upsetting or stressful, but these feelings don't last that long.Depression is very different from these 'depressed' feelings.
Depression is a common and real health problem which affects the way we think, feel and act.
When we have depression the feeling of sadness seems to never really go away. We can feel tired a lot of the time and lose interest in the things that we enjoy - like going out with friends, sports, even eating! We may start sleeping more or sleeping less, and it can become hard to think clearly, listen or remember things.
Without support or treatment, depression can lead to us feeling very alone, really bad about ourselves and life in general. Sometimes we might try to escape or cope with these feelings through using alcohol / drugs or by harming ourselves - which only makes things worse in the long run. For some, thoughts of suicide may become strong.
If you do think about suicide, it is really important to remember that these thoughts may be part of depression and seek support from someone you trust immediately.
Remember -
Depression is common so you are not alone
Depression is real so don't ignore it
Depression is also very treatable and with the right support most people cope with these feelings and recover completelys
One of the most unhelpful questions asked when someone may have depression is, 'What have you got to be depressed about?'
People can become depressed for many different reasons. Sometimes people can clearly see what is causing them to feel so low, but for others it may be hard to see where the sad feelings are coming from.
The most important thing is that we get the right advice and support in dealing with depression.
Here are some ideas on the different things that may cause depression...
Stressful Life Events
Difficult feelings and stressful events can contribute to depression when we don't get enough support, or when the emotions that come with them are too difficult to deal with.Click on the buttons for some examples...
Difficult Feelings
Stressful Events
Brain Chemistry
Some people think that changes in the structure of our brains may be the cause of depression. We all have 'mood' chemicals which increase and decrease depending on the 'mood' we are in. When people have depression the brain may not be producing enough of the chemicals we need to feel the 'good moods' as well as the bad.The stressful life events which last a long time can lead to a drop in the mood chemicals also.
Drug misuse
Some medications that you get from your Doctor may have side effects that may add to depression.There is a link between alcohol misuse and depression - people with alcohol addictions are 4 times more likely to have depression.
There is also more and more research coming out about drug use, in particular cannabis, heroin and ecstasy and their possible link to depression.
Whether we can figure out why we have depression or not, the most important thing is knowing that there is support available and lots we can do about how we are feeling. Remember, most people who seek support for depression recover completely.
How do I know if I have depression?[^ top]
The following are 11 signs and symptoms of depression - try this questionnaire if you are concerned...- - Do you feel sad, down in the dumps, do you cry, or feel like crying, a lot (sometimes for no reason or about little things)?
- - Do you feel bored, lazy or really tired most of the time?
- - Do you worry too much or feel panicky about things like your studies, appearance, family or friends, do you think that people don't like you or are talking behind your back?
- - Are you moody, irritable or angry; arguing or picking rows with friends, family or teachers?
- - Has your appetite changed; are you eating a lot more or less than usual?
- - Have you given up a favourite hobby or interest; have you stopped wanting to go out, or join in activities? Would you rather be alone most of the time?
- - Are you having trouble sleeping, having bad dreams, or sleeping too much?
- - Do you find it hard to concentrate, think or listen, or even make simple decisions; are you forgetting or losing things?
- - Do you feel worthless, useless, stupid, ashamed or guilty, and blame yourself for things that go wrong?
- - Do you get a lot of aches and pains in your head, chest or stomach for no apparent reason?
- - Do you feel that things will never get better, that life isn't worth living; do you think about death a lot, or of harming yourself or suicide?
Manic depression...[^ top]
"There's depression, but also that extreme brilliant high. My manic spells are manageable and are great - my work space is where I'm doing so much. But what happens is then all of a sudden, you plunge because you've depleted yourself on such a level that one day you wake up with a gigantic lump in your throat. And there it is. So I would fall down and just not be able to get myself up. Just the smallest thing would set me off." (Linda Hamilton, Actress, Terminator)
Manic Depression (aka Bipolar Disorder) is where people can experience depression lasting for weeks or months, but also experience 'high' times. When people are in the 'manic' or high phase, they can feel really full of energy, without needing much sleep or food. Thoughts can start to race and people can feel impatient and irritable because they want things to happen quickly. Some of the symptoms of the manic phase are listed below:- - Feeling 'high', on 'top of the world'
- - Talking quickly and jumping from one subject to another
- - Racing thoughts - not thinking things through
- - Feeling jumpy and restless
- - Not feeling that you need to sleep or eat
- - Difficulties concentrating because there is so much going on in your mind
Post Natal depression...[^ top]
After having a baby it is natural to go through some 'mood' changes, from feeling happy and excited for the first few days (the Pinks!), to then feeling really tired and worried for about a week (the blues!) before moods settle.Postnatal depression affects 3 in 20 women, generally starts within six weeks of giving birth and can last around three months.
Some of the symptoms of postnatal depression are:
- - Feeling tired
- - Always worrying about the baby
- - Finding it hard to concentrate and being forgetful
- - Finding everyday situations a strain
- - Feeling nervous and panicky most of the time
- - Feeling sad and weepy
- - Thinking that you are 'no good'
- - Not wanting to be alone
- - Losing interest in sex
Your Doctor or Health Visitor will be able to give you information on what's available in your area.
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