Depression
Depression is more than an unhappy feeling for feeling fed up for a few days its much more than that.
Everyone can feel sad from time to time but depression is constant and doesn't go away easily and someone might not know why they are depressed. Its not a sign of weakness or something you can just snap out of.
Psychological Symptoms
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Losing interest or pleasure in Hobbies.
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Continuous low mood, emptiness or sadness.
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Feeling hopeless and helpless.
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Having low self-esteem.
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Feeling worthless or guilty.
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Feeling irritable and intolerant of others.
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Having no motivation or interest in things.
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Struggling to find purpose in life
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Feeling anxious or worried.
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Having thoughts or behaviours surrounding suicide or self-harm.
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Difficulty concentrating or making decisions.
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Talk with someone you trust - Teacher, Family member, Counsellor, Friend, Helpline.
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Write about how you are feeling. [Journal, Writing on a piece of paper then destroying it].
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Meditation
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Play an instrument
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Read a book.
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Learn something new.
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Set small goals for yourself such as brushing your teeth, putting dirty dishes in the dish washer, brushing your hair, having a shower, hanging out with friends, make your bed - whatever goal you accomplish is a step forward no matter how big or small.
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Exercise.
Coping strategies
Physical Symptoms
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Changes in appetite or weight
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Sleep disturbances
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Fatigue or loss of energy
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Headaches
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Digestive issues
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Chronic pain
Causes
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Bereavement
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Divorce
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Illness
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Redundancy - Job or money worries
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The experience of loss
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Stressful events
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Personality
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Family history/genetics
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Giving birth
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Loneliness
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Alcohol and drugs
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Illness
Treatment
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Therapies - CBT, EMDR, Art Therapy, Music therapy, Talking therapy, Behavioural Therapy.
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Antidepressants.
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Going to hospital.
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Talk to your doctor to find the best treatment option for you.
Support
Its okay to reach out for support, its the bravest thing you can do. You're not alone, there's lots of services there to help.
Ireland
Online support
Phone support
Samaritans - Call 116123
Pieta house - Call
1800 247 247,
Text HELP to 51444
Crisis text line - Text HELLO to 50808