What is Depression?

What Is Depression?

Depression is a long lasting disorder which will cause low moods and inhibit feelings of happiness and pleasure. Depression is becoming increasingly common in society, said to effect 1 in 6 people, however will effect people in different ways. Depression and anxiety can often both go hand in hand with one inducing the other leading to more sever symptoms. Symptoms of depression will differ person to person and this dictating cases from minor to sever.

What Causes Depression?

Identifying what may be the leading cause for your depression can be a key step to the healing process. However, there can often be a number of different causes and these will tend to vary from person to person. Often depression will be linked to trauma or a stress related event you have experienced. These may include:

Bereavement

Breakup/Divorce

Physical/Mental illness

Losing your job

Bullying

Symptoms Of Depression

If depression is left unacknowledged and un-treated, symptoms can very quickly begin to spiral out of control and consume you. Therefore, as with anything, being aware of the symptoms will allow you to address any potential issue which could have bigger impacts down the line. There are a number of different symptoms you may experience when suffering with depression, which may include:

Decrease in energy and feeling fatigue.

Lack of concentration when performing everyday tasks.

Feeling lost and hopeless about your life.

Over eating or loss in appetite.

Reduced sex drive.

Feeling worthless and as if you have no meaning.

Consistently feeling down as well as anxious.

Difficulty sleeping or sleeping to much.

Thoughts of suicide and that you'd be better off dead

Should you be facing any of these symptoms, advising your doctor and exploring them in more detail would be advised.

When To Address it

As mentioned above, should you be experiencing any symptoms it would be advised to communicate this with you GP or failing that, to talk to those around you.

For some, addressing the fact you may be suffering from a mental illness can be daunting and result in feelings of denial, often approached with the mentality of ‘I’ll be fine’. However, should these symptoms be allowed to develop further the impacts it has on you down the line may be far worse. Communication is key.