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  • Writer's pictureLouise Halford

Understanding Depression


Depressed person

Welcome to this weeks article. I hope it is informative and helpful in some way.....

As depression affects so many people and I see so many clients suffering with the devastating impact of depression on their life I have decided this subject just needs to be written about.


I have found that so many people often suffer alone, in silence, hiding their depression from others, just trying to get through the day...this may be you or you may know someone who is struggling with depression...


What Is Depression?

Depression is a common illness that affects millions of people world-wide. This illness can be characterised by spells of low mood, persistent feelings of sadness and a disinterest in aspects of life that would otherwise be enjoyed. A change in behaviour is also possible. With milder depression you might have low mood but still be able to carry on with your daily life. If you have more severe depression, you might find day-to-day life much more difficult and struggle to manage. You may find that you have much less motivation or a lack of interest in the aspects of life that you used to enjoy. Depression may present with a wide range of symptoms which can vary from person to person. This illness can develop quickly or gradually. Depression can also be brought on by life events, loss of a loved one, work or relationship stress for example. Past experiences may be a cause. It could be multiple factors that together cause depression. It is also common for a person suffering with depression to not know why they are depressed.

Depression can affect anyone, regardless of gender, age and race. The good news is that, in most cases, depression can be managed and tackled effectively in different ways. There are many different methods for combating and managing symptoms of depression. Most of which can be found on the NHS website – https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/clinical-depression/

What Are The Signs Of Depression?

Depression can present itself in many different ways. The signs of depression can be obvious to some but not so obvious to others. It is also possible for a person suffering from depression to not even realise why they are struggling. They may not recognise their symptoms are that of depression.

As depression has the ability to affect people differently, it may be the case that only one or two symptoms are identifiable. If you or someone you know appears to be experiencing some (or just one) of the following symptoms, depression may be present:


  • General sadness or tearfulness.

  • Lack of energy.

  • Lack of interest towards activities that are usually enjoyed.

  • Wanting to be alone, hiding away or staying in bed.

  • Feelings of tiredness, maybe trouble with sleep.

  • Lack of appetite, or excessively eating.

  • Increased stress levels.

  • Unusually irritable.

  • Feelings of not being able to cope with daily life.

  • Inability to see a positive future ahead.


Other types of depression:


  • Persistent depressive disorder (PDD). PDD is continuous depression that lasts for two years or more. You may also hear it called chronic depression.

  • Seasonal affective disorder (SAD). SAD is depression that occurs at a particular time of year, or during a particular season.

  • Antenatal depression. This is depression that occurs while you are pregnant. It is sometimes called prenatal depression.

  • Postnatal depression (PND). This is depression that occurs in the first year after having a baby. This can include affecting dads and partners.

  • Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). This is a hormone-related disorder that affects your body but also how you feel, which can involve experiencing depression.


Who Should You Turn To For Help?

  • In some cases speaking with an "outsider to the problem" might help to reduce the impact of symptoms of depression.

  • You may want to speak with a GP, or consider confiding in a family member or trusted friend.

  • You may consider that you need professional help from a counsellor.

Just like other illnesses, if you do nothing to tackle depression it may result in depression continuing to impact your life and possibly those around you.

With the right help and support, many people recover from the worst symptoms of this illness.


If you are suffering with depression then you may have an idea where you would prefer to turn to for help, a way thats right for you, so that you begin facing your difficulties and start to resume living your normal and happy life again.


Thank you for taking the time reading this article.....I hope it was of some help to you.


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