Research shows that approximately one in four people in the UK will experience a mental health problem at any one time, of which depression is one of the most common forms.
Depression can be a response to an upsetting or traumatic incident. The people and situations around you can sometimes create depressive thought processes and these can trigger bouts of depression.
An example is someone reporting, “I was fine until my father died.” or “I have felt depressed since I split up with my long-term partner”.
Other triggers for depression can be (but not limited to) losing a job, divorce, or financial problems.
Signs of depression
The following are some of the common signs of depression that may develop over a period of time. They might say things like:
- I’m not interested in things like I used to be.
- I’m sure there’s something wrong, I just don’t feel right.
- Often I cry all the time, I just feel numb.
- I just can’t stop eating.
- I can’t sleep, I feel tired all the time.
Often these issues will be treated by a doctor using medications. Anti-depressants, sleep medication, and perhaps a diet or stop smoking programme will be prescribed. These treatment methods, of course, are aimed at symptom relief but don’t get down to treating the underlying cause of the way you feel.
Take a look at the following and mentally tick any of these conditions that apply to you:
- Low mood
- Avoiding activities that you used to enjoy
- Loss of appetite
- Inappropriate eating
- Insomnia
- Taking days off work
- Feeling anxious
- Feeling lethargic
- Crying a lot
Depending on how many you have ticked will give you a good indication of how depressed you have been feeling, from mild to severe. How long have you had this depression? Have you seen your Doctor and are you on medication? Perhaps these feelings are affecting your job, relationships or your physical health?
Long-term stress and anxiety can often lead to despair, and maybe you feel out of control.
There is help
Together we can build your strength and motivation to move forward. Then you can make the changes to feel happier, more focused and better able to face the world afresh.
