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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.

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With the right treatment Some with depression can make a full recovery.

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Hope penguin 1.png

Symptoms

  • continuous low mood or sadness

  • feeling hopeless and helpless

  • having low self-esteem

  • feeling tearful

  • feeling worthless or guilt-ridden

  • feeling irritable and intolerant of others

  • having no motivation or interest in things

  • finding it difficult to make decisions

  • not getting any enjoyment out of life

  • irritable mood

  • feeling anxious or worried

  • having suicidal thoughts or thoughts of harming yourself.

  • moving or speaking slower than usual

  • changes in appetite or weight (usually decreased, but sometimes increased)

  • constipation

  • unexplained aches and pains

  • lack of energy

  • low sex drive (loss of libido)

  • changes to your menstrual cycle

  • disturbed sleep – difficulty falling asleep, waking up early or sleeping more than usual

  • not doing well at work

  • avoiding contact with friends and taking part in fewer social activities

  • neglecting your hobbies and interests

  • having difficulties in your home and family life.

If you or someone you know is unsafe or having a medical emergency call your country's emergency number - 999, 911, 112, 111.

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For more information and resources go to our helpline page.

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Remember there will always be someone there to listen. 

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Information on this page is from the HSE and NHS website.

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Causes

  • bereavement

  • divorce

  • illness

  • redundancy

  • job or money worries

  • Biological - Biological theories of depression place blame on the brain and the malfunctioning of some of the chemicals that comprise it.

  • Psychological - The psychological theories of depression focus mostly on the experience of loss.

  • Stressful events

  • Personality

  • Family history

  • Giving birth

  • Loneliness

  • Alcohol and drugs

  • Illness

Treatment for depression can involve a combination of:

  • self-help

  • talking therapies

  • medicines

  • Exercise

  • Exercise can help depression and it's one of the main treatments for mild depression.

  • Antidepressants

  • Antidepressants are tablets that treat the symptoms of depression. There are almost 30 different types of antidepressant. Your doctor will prescribe these.

  • Combination therapy

  • Your GP may recommend that you take a course of antidepressants plus talking therapy. For moderate to severe depression, an antidepressant and CBT usually works better than one treatment.

  • Mental health teams

  • You may be referred to a mental health team. They could include psychologists, psychiatrists, specialist nurses and occupational therapists. These teams often provide intensive specialist talking treatments as well as prescribed medication.

  • Talking treatments

  • Your doctor may refer you to talking therapy for moderate to severe depression.

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