Everyone can feel sad, particularly when faced with loss or grief. Depression, however, is more than low mood and sadness at a loss. It is a serious medical illness. It is the result of chemical imbalances in the brain. The sufferer feels extremely sad, dejected and unmotivated.
Depression is common
One in four women and one in six men suffer from depression at some time in their life. Only about 20 per cent of people are correctly diagnosed, because depression can mask itself as a physical illness (like chronic pain, sleeplessness or fatigue).
The symptoms of depression
Some of the symptoms of depression can include:
- Feeling sad or depressed
- A loss of interest and pleasure in normal activities
- Loss of appetite or weight
- Inability to get to sleep or waking up early
- Feeling tired all the time
- Having trouble concentrating
- Feeling restless, agitated, worthless or guilty
- Feeling that life isn't worth living.
A combination of factors
Depression results from a combination of physical and psychological factors, which cause chemical imbalances in the brain. Diagnosis in every case needs a careful analysis of causes.
Physical causes include:
- Mental illness and treatment
- Inherited traits
- Chemical changes
- Drug or alcohol abuse.
Psychological causes include:
- Life stress
- Negative experiences and loss
- High anxiety.
Seek help if you experience symptoms of depression
If you experience some or most of the symptoms of depression, it is important to seek advice from a doctor or counsellor.
Type of help available
Careful medical and psychological evaluation is needed to determine the best treatment. This may include:
- Drug therapy with antidepressants
- Psychological therapies
- Education and counselling
- Avoiding situations which may contribute to the depression.
Where to get help
Things to remember
- Depression is a constant feeling of dejection and loss, which stops you doing your normal activities.
- Depression can be mistaken for a physical illness, such as fatigue.
- Antidepressants can help most depressed people, but they must be accompanied by psychological therapy and education.
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Depression and exercise.
Depression in men.
Electroconvulsive therapy.
Mental health problems - early care helps.
Mental illness.
Mental illness - family and friends.
Mental illness prevalence.
Negative emotions - coping tips.
Physical activity - it's important.
Postnatal depression.
Schizoaffective disorder.
Stress can become a serious illness.
Suicide and mental illness explained.
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