Let's Talk About Depression
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Depression is a common mood disorder.
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There are lots of different factors which may cause depression, but sometimes there is no obvious reason.
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Symptoms may include low mood, lack of energy despite appropriate rest, loss of confidence, poor concentration and, in extreme situations, suicidal thoughts.
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Depression is a treatable illness. If you think that you or someone you care for may be affected, talk to your GP in the first instance.
What is Depression?
We all feel down or sad sometimes, but these feelings don't usually last and are a normal response to problems or difficulties in our lives. However, when they don't go away or are more than we can cope with and affect our ability to go on with our daily lives, it may be depression.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) states that depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide, affecting around 350 million people. Northern Ireland has an exceptionally high rate of depression compared with the rest of the UK, with figures showing a 25% higher rate of mental ill-health than England.
What are the Symptoms of Depression?
Look out for the following signs. If you've had at least two of these core symptoms and some of the other symptoms listed below for at least two weeks, you should talk to your GP.
Core symptoms
- An unusually sad mood that doesn't go away.
- Loss of enjoyment or interest in activities that used to be enjoyable.
- Tiredness and lack of energy despite appropriate rest.
As well as these, you may also experience one or more of the following:
- Loss of confidence in yourself or poor self-esteem.
- Feelings of guilt when you're not really at fault.
- Wishing that you were dead.
- Difficulty making decisions and concentrating.
- Moving more slowly or becoming agitated and unable to settle.
- Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much.
- Loss of interest in food or eating more than usual, leading to weight loss or gain.
Not every person who has depression will have all of these symptoms.
What Causes Depression?
Depression is not inherited directly, but it appears that some people may have a genetic predisposition, particularly if a parent or close relative has a history of the illness.
Factors like poor housing, money worries, relationship problems, or loneliness can increase the risk of depression.
Bereavement, abuse, bullying, job loss, relationship break-up, physical illness or anything associated with a sense of loss can increase the risk of depression.
Pregnancy, childbirth and becoming a parent may also increase the risk, especially with adverse environmental factors such as those listed above.
People with certain personality traits may be at greater risk. Those with perfectionism who like to be in control or those with a tendency to self-blame may be more likely to experience depression. These traits can make it more challenging to deal with problems in life or cope with significant change.
Most people with depression probably fall into two or more of these categories, and the more factors that apply, the greater the risk. However, it's important to remember that sometimes there is no apparent reason for depression.
Some people use alcohol or drugs to help them cope with difficult situations. They can worsen the symptoms of depression, leading to impaired concentration, poor sleep and increased fatigue. Alcohol can also interact badly with some medicines used to treat depression, so it is best to avoid it if you are affected by depression.
Treatment and Looking After Your Mental Health
We have a range of support services available to help with depression, anxiety and bipolar.
If a friend, family member, or someone else you care for has a mental illness, you may at times feel hopeless and helpless.
Check out our free factsheets, including the ‘Helping You with Depression’ PDF, and learn more about depression, anxiety, and bipolar.
AWARE is the depression charity for Northern Ireland and the only charity working exclusively for those with depression and bipolar disorder.
Aware Defeat Depression, known as AWARE, Crawford Square, Derry/Londonderry, BT48 7HR, Company No: NI30447. Registered with the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland with charity registration number NIC100561
BELFAST OFFICE
Tel: 028 9035 7820
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DERRY/LONDONDERRY OFFICE
Tel: 028 7126 0602
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