Depression is when someone feels persistently sad and unhappy for a long period of time and affects their everyday life. Depression can sometimes be viewed as trivial and not a real health condition - this is not true. Depression is a real illness with real symptoms and is a very common mental health condition.

 

The severity of depression is usually categorised into the following:

• Mild depression - has some impact on daily life

• Moderate depression - has a significant impact on daily life

• Severe depression - makes it almost impossible to get through daily life ​

 

There are several types of depression and the condition itself can be a resulting symptom of a mental illness such as bipolar disorder.​

• Postnatal depression - women can develop depression a short time after giving birth; this is known as postnatal depression and is treated in a similar way to other types of depression - with talking therapies and antidepressant medication.

• Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) - a type of depression with a seasonal pattern, usually related to winter. Coincidentally, this condition is also known as 'winter depression'.

• Bipolar disorder - also known as 'manic depression', in bipolar disorder there are spells of both depression and excessively high mood (mania); the depression symptoms and similar to clinical depression. 

 

Signs and symptoms of Depression

• Avoiding contact with family and friends

• Avoiding social events and neglecting hobbies

• Not doing so well at work

• Continuous low mood, feeling upset and tearful

• Feeling hopeless and low self-esteem

• Lack of motivation or interest in things

• Feeling irritable and intolerant of other people

• Thoughts of self-harm or suicide

• Changes in appetite or weight loss/gain

• Lack of energy, muscle aches and pains

• Disturbed sleep patterns and low sex drive

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Treatments available for Depression​

• Watchful waiting where if someone is diagnosed with mild depression by a GP, they may suggest waiting a short time to see if it gets better by itself. In this case, they'll be seen again after two weeks to monitor their progress.

• Cognitive behavioural therapy, better known as CBT aims to help people understand their thoughts and behaviour, and how they affect them. CBT usually consists of a short course of on-to-one sessions with a trained therapist. CBT can also be delivered online.

• Self-help techniques such as talking to family and friends, exercise, dieting, mindfulness, books, publications, etc (usually recommended for mild depression) 

• Antidepressants that can treat the symptoms of depression. GP's often recommend antidepressant medication in conjunction with talking therapies. 

• Interpersonal therapy, better known as IPT focuses on relationships with others and problems someone may be having in their relationships, such as difficulties communication or coping with bereavement. 

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Aiding another with Depression

• Provide the person with an opportunity to talk. If the person does not initiate a conversation with you, you should say something to them.

• Choose an appropriate time where you will both feel comfortable to engage in a conversation without any distractions.

• Listen to them carefully, remain calm and provide reassurance.

• Accept what they say without judging them and show your understanding. 

• Gently encourage them to help themselves - for example, by staying physically active, eating a balanced diet and doing things they enjoy.

• If they feel comfortable, you can help them access information and resources.

• Assist and signpost to professional support such as their GP if this is appropriate.