Depression
What is it?
Depression is more than simply feeling low or fed up for a few days.
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Most people go through periods of feeling down (it is part of being human), but when you're depressed, you feel persistently sad for weeks or months, rather than just a few days.
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Some people think depression is trivial and not a genuine health condition. They're wrong – it is an actual illness with real symptoms. Depression is not a sign of weakness or something you can "snap out of" by "or ignore it and carry on".
With the right treatment and support, most people with depression can make a full recovery.
What are the symptoms of depression?
The symptoms of depression can be complex and vary widely between people due to every person being different.
The symptoms persist for weeks (usually for a minimum of 2) or months and are bad enough to interfere with your home, work, social life and relationships with family.
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There are many other symptoms of depression which can include:
Psychological / Emotional symptoms:
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continuous low mood or sadness
feeling hopeless and helpless
having low self-esteem
feeling tearful
feeling guilt-ridden
feeling irritable and 'snapping at others'
having no motivation or interest in things
finding it difficult to make decisions
not getting any enjoyment out of life
feeling anxious or worried
having suicidal thoughts or thoughts of harming yourself
Physical symptoms:
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moving or speaking more slowly than usual
changes in appetite or weight (usually decreased, but sometimes increased)
unexplained aches and pains
lack of energy
low sex drive (loss of libido)
changes to your menstrual cycle
disturbed sleep – for example, finding it difficult to fall asleep at night or waking up very early in the morning
Functional symptoms:
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avoiding contact with friends and taking part in fewer social activities
neglecting your hobbies and interests
having difficulties in your home, work or family life
Working too hard or 'putting on a front' to hide symptoms
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Please watch this video for further information on depression:
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Treatment
What help can I get?
Treatment for depression usually involves a combination of self-help, talking therapies and medicines.
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What are talking therapies?
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Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) aims to help you understand your thoughts and behaviour, and how they affect you.
CBT recognises that events in your past may have shaped you, but it concentrates mostly on how you can change the way you think, feel and behave in the present.
It teaches you how to overcome negative thoughts – for example, being able to challenge hopeless feelings.
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Please contact admin@jsk-psy.com for more information about how we can help or click here