Depression
Depression is a low mood that last for a long time, and affects your every day life.
It varies from person to person and every day can be different. In its mildest form, depression can mean just feeling a bit down. It doesn’t stop you leading your normal life but makes everything harder to do and seem less worthwhile, like what’s the point. At its most severe, depression can be life threatening because it can make you feel suicidal or simply give up the will to live.
There are specific types of depression so always speak to your GP.
How you might feel
- Down, upset or tearful.
- Restless, agitated or irritable.
- Guilty or worth less.
- Empty and numb.
- Isolated and unable to relate to others.
- Finding no pleasure in things.
- Low self-esteem.
- Hopeless, despairing or suicidal.
How you might behave
- Avoiding social events or activities you usually enjoy.
- Self harm or suicidal behaviours.
- Find it difficult to think or speak clearly.
- Lose interest in sex.
- Difficulty in remembering things or concentrating.
- Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much.
- Feeling tired all the time.
- No appetite or eating too much.
- Physical aches and pains with no cause.
There might not be anything causing it….sometimes you just feel sad (that’s allowed)
But there are things that can bring it on such as…
- Life experiences
- Life events
- Other mental or physical health problems
- Genetics
- Medication, drugs or alcohol
- Sleep, diet and exercise
How to help
There are simple things you can do which may not make you feel less down but over a period of time, sleeping well, eating well and spending time with people you care about are things you can do.
They are not the magic cure though, many people need medication, counselling and other coping mechanisms to help them manage in their daily life
There are lots of other things that can help, you just have to find what works for you. Self Care is always about what works for you.