Symptoms
of Depression
The most common symptoms
are set out below. If these have been experienced for more than
two weeks it is essential to seek help. People may suffer from
two or three of these symptoms but are unlikely to experience
them all.
- Feelings of
helplessness and hopelessness.
- Feeling useless,
inadequate, bad.
- Self hatred, constant
questioning of thoughts and actions, an overwhelming need
for reassurance.
- Being vulnerable and
"over-sensitive".
- Feeling guilty.
- A loss of energy and
motivation, that makes even the simplest tasks or
decisions seem difficult.
- Self harm.
- Loss or gain in
weight.
- Difficulty with
getting off to sleep, or (less frequently) an excessive
desire to sleep.
- Agitation and
restlessness.
- Loss of sex drive.
- Finding it impossible
to concentrate for any length of time, forgetfulness. A
sense of unreality.
- Physical aches and
pains, sometimes with the fear that you are seriously
ill.
In severe depression, these
feelings may also include:
- Suicidal ideas.
- Failure to eat or
drink.
- Delusions and/or
hallucinations.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF
DEPRESSION
Some types of depression
are very specific
SEVERE DEPRESSION
If the depression is
very bad, and the person who is suffering is in need of
immediate support, contact your Therapist or a Help line
right away.
MANIC OR BIPOLAR
DEPRESSION
This type of depression
is marked by extreme mood swings, from "highs" of
excessive energy and elation to "lows" of utter
despair and lethargy. Manic depression is often treated with
Lithium, which evens out the mood swings.
POST NATAL DEPRESSION
This is not "the
baby blues" which occurs 2-3 days after the birth and
goes away. Post natal depression can occur from about 2 weeks
and up to 2 years after the birth.
SAD
Seasonal Affective
Disorder is a type of depression which generally coincides
with the approach of winter, starting with September and
lasting until Spring brings longer days and more sunshine.
MORE INFORMATION
- Depression is much
misunderstood by the public, yet it affects many people
of all ages. It is estimated that one in five people will
suffer from depression at some point in their lives.
- Depression is an
illness where the feelings of hopelessness and
helplessness, linkled to the inability to concentrate,
may make it hard for some people to carry out normal
daily activities.
- Depression is an
illness with a wide range of physical and psychological
symptoms, which sometimes make it hard to recognise and
understand.
- Personality may play a
part in depression. Although anyone can become depressed
under particular circumstances, some people seem to be
more vulnerable than others. This may be because of
things that have happened in childhood, such as abuse, or
because of our individual make up (including body
chemistry).
- A lot of effective,
intelligent and creative people suffer from depression
and yet make an outstanding contribution to life. Often,
information about their depression is only revealed after
their death, as people misunderstand the illness. Amongst
such people are Florence Nightingale and Sir Winston
Churchill, who used to call depression his "black
dog". Depression can effect anyone and does not
reduce your value as a human being.
ABOUT DEPRESSION
It is important for people
to know that:
- Depression is an
illness that can affect anyone at any age.
- It is not connected
with and does not develop into insanity.
- Depression can be
treated. People may be offered antidepressants and/or
talking treatments.
- There is no need to
cope alone. Depression Alliance can help.
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