Depression - The details

What is depression?

Many people used depression as an everyday word; I bet at least everyone has said at least once 'I'm depressed' without knowing the exact background behind it. The exact definiton of depression is 'severe, typically prolonged, feelings of despondency and dejection.'

Therefore, with true depression, comes low moods and other symptoms for a long period of time - which can interfere with everyday life and activities. It can develop very quickly or gradually, it can affect both men and women and it is curable. It can be bought on by life events or changes in body chemistry, or both. 

What are the signs of depression?

There are several signs of depression - the core symptoms being persistent sadness or low moods, and a marked loss of interest/enjoyment in activities. 

Other common symptoms include: 

• Change in appetite - either having a poor appetite resulting in weight loss or comfort eating, resulting in weight gain. 
• Tiredness/fatigue and loss of energy. 
• Disturbed sleep - which may be difficulty in falling asleep, waking up too early or waking up several times during the night. It can also cause you to sleep too much in order to 'numb the depression.'
• Poor concentration and indecisiveness - you may find it hard to read, cook, work and complete other simple tasks. 
• Agitation and slowing of movements.
• Feelings of worthlessness or inappropriate guilt. 
• Recurrent or detailed thoughts about death/dying. You are usually preoccupied with the thought of death and dying, sometimes having thoughts such as 'I shouldn't be here', 'Life isn't worth living' and sadly some even plan their suicide.

You are usually diagnosed with depression if you have some of these symptoms and if they impair your normal functioning - such as affecting your work, relationships and family. 

It is common for you to develop physical symptoms such as headaches, palpitations, chest pains and aches. 

What causes depression?

The exact cause of depression is unknown - and although some people are prone to it, it can develop for any reason and happen to anyone. There may be some genetic factor that makes more people prone to depression than others however - meaning the condition is passed on through families. 

The episode of depression may also be triggered by a life event such as a relationship problem, illness, redundancy or bereavement. Although it is more likely to develop within women, men can also get depression. 

What help is available?

The first step is to contact your doctor and from their they can diagnose the depression and the correct treatment to you, dependent on the severity of the depression.

One option is to be prescribed antidepressant medicines. Although it cannot alter your circumstances, many symptoms including poor concentration and sleep are alleviated by these. Therefore the aim is to allow you to function more normally and increase your ability to deal with the problems. 

Another treatment involves psychological treatments. The most common is CBT which stands for cognitive behavioural therapy. It is based upon the idea that certain ways of thinking can trigger or fuel certain mental health problems - including depression. The therapist will try to identify any thoughts that may contribute to your depression and change your ways of thinking to avoid these thoughts. 

The final psychological treatment is Interpersonal therapy. This is based upon the idea that your personal relationships may play a large role in affecting your mood and mental state. Therefore, the therapist tries to improve your interaction with others. 

In the coming weeks I will be providing more information about the treatments of depression and other theories that have been developed in order to reduce and prevent depression, such as diet, exercise and supplements.