What is Depression?

Depression is where you feel persistently sad or down for a period of weeks or months. This is known as clinical depression. It affects people in different ways, with symptoms ranging from mild to severe.

Symptoms of Depression

Symptoms of depression can be feelings of unhappiness and hopelessness, losing interest in things that you used to enjoy, constantly feeling tired, poor sleep, loss or lack of appetite, decreased sex drive, aches and pains, suicidal thoughts and feelings, symptoms of anxiety, and feelings of stress.

Causes of Depression

Depression can occur for a number of reasons, and can be triggered by a number of different things. A lot of the time, depression is caused by a variety of factors, such as a stressful life event, money worries, bereavement, or the end of a relationship.

Stressful Life Events

A stressful life event can increase your risk of depression, especially if you try to deal with the problem on your own. This may lead to isolation if you decide to stop seeing your friends and family. Loneliness can increase your risk of developing depression.

Personality

Your personality can put you at greater risk for depression if you have low self esteem or are overly self-critical. These traits in your personality may stem from a familial history of depression, inherited genes, or early experiences in childhood. A familial history of depression means that you are more likely to develop depression.

Alcohol and Drugs

Drinking or taking drugs can cause a spiral of depression. Using cannabis during your teenage years may increase your risk of developing depression.

Treatment for Depression

Treatment for depression is multi-faceted.

It can involve lifestyle changes, talking therapies and medication. Cognitive behavioural therapy can be used for mild or moderate depression. Antidepressants may be used for more severe depression.

Lifestyle changes that may help are exercise, decreasing alcohol intake, quitting smoking, and eating healthily.

Depression is not something that you have to suffer in silence with. There are plenty of resources available to help you. If you are experiencing feelings of depression, it’s extremely worthwhile to contact your GP to discuss your treatment options.

By Aisia Lea.