If you are feeling depressed you are not alone. The World Health Organisation estimates that 280 million people in the world have depression. While everyone has bouts of the blues now and then, depression is a mood disorder which causes a persistent feeling of sadness and isn’t something that you can simply snap out of. Neither is it a sign of weakness and it effects people from all walks of life.
How Do I Know If I Am Depressed?
- A persistent feeling of sadness, numbness and lack of pleasure in life.
- Reduced or no enjoyment in things which used to interest you.
- Feeling worthless, guilty and self critical – often blaming yourself for things which aren’t your responsibility.
- Lack of energy and feeling tired most of the time.
- Sleep disturbances, either too little sleep or sleeping too much.
- Difficulty concentrating, trouble thinking and remembering things.
- Thoughts of suicide or self-harm.
What Causes Depression?
There is no single cause of depression. It’s a complex interaction of social, psychological and biological factors. While brain chemistry has been shown to influence our mood, stressful life events, early life experiences and habits of negative thinking can also make you more vulnerable.
Where To Get Help?
If you have been experiencing symptoms for more than a month it’s important to see your GP for advice. This can be difficult to do when you are depressed because you often feel hopeless that life can change. However, depression is a very treatable illness. The National Institute for Clinical Excellence suggests that CBT and medication are the best interventions and your GP can provide an assessment and talk through the treatment options available. For private CBT, you can find a fully accredited therapist in your area via the BABCP website: https://babcp.com/CBTRegister/Search#/
Tips To Boost Your Mood.
- Try to get as much natural sunlight as possible for example take a walk during daylight hours.
- Keep active.
- Eat regular meals.
- Schedule regular time to see friends.
- Tell family and friends so they can understand and be supportive.
- http://www.moodjuice.scot.nhs.uk/depression.asp provides an excellent CBT self-help guide for depression.
