Do you know what Depression means?

Lots of people experience the symptoms of depression (see Part 2 next week).  They may start to wonder if there is something wrong with them and ask themselves if they are going mad!  It is not helpful if others say “just pull yourself together” as obviously you would if you could.

1 in 4 people in the UK suffer from a form of mental ill health.  This should be seen in the same context as the number of people who suffer from asthma or diabetes.  There is help for depression that involves changing your thought processes both consciously and unconsciously.

What is Depression?

We often use the expression ‘I feel depressed’ when we’re feeling sad or miserable about life. In its mildest form, depression can mean just being in low spirits. It doesn’t stop you leading your normal life but makes everything harder to do and seem less worthwhile. At its most severe, major depression can be life-threatening, because it can make you feel suicidal or simply give up the will to live.

Major depression differs from “low mood” in 3 main ways:

Major depression is more intense

Major depression lasts longer (2 weeks or more)

Major depression significantly interferes with effective day to day functioning.

Depression is considered to be a disorder of mood.  People who feel depressed describe it as having a dismal outlook and a sense of darkness and gloom, which fails to lift even in pleasant things happen.

Depressed people very often see themselves in a negative light.  They focus on how bad they feel, how the world is an awful place and how hopeless the future seems.  They may blame themselves for everything including the fact that they are negative.

This negativity very often leads to feelings of discontent and unhappiness with their family; friends and work.  They may feel lonely and isolated as well as shy and anxious, but at the same time are unwilling or unable to reach out to others.

If you need help with depression do call Leigh 01908 265420

Or e-mail lee.adley@yahoo.co.uk