Depression is not the same as low mood or feeling sad, an individual struggling with depression often feels, hopeless, helpless. Feeling down or low from time to time is a normal part of life, which many people can relate t, but when feelings such as intense sadness, feeling empty, hopeless, lack of interest or pleasure in almost all activities, fatigue, loss of energy these are potential signs of someone who is experiencing depression. Depression symptoms may vary for each individual, some may experience depression due t a particular situation or event, whilst others this maybe gradual overtime or may an episode may occur out of the blue which may feel like for no reason.
What can cause Depression
There are various causes of depression which vary with each individual. Some causes may be due to a specific situation that has occurred within your lifestyle such as developing an illness, losing a home or job, financial difficulties or lifestyle struggles , for others depression consul be due to past circumstance which have never been addressed due to fear or uncertainty, fear of being vulnerable or fear of opening up. Research has shown that childhood difficulties, lifestyle exposure, learning behaviours can trigger for some the onset of depression particularly trauma or abuse.
Signs and Symptoms
- Feeling hopeless or helpless.
- Thoughts of suicide.
- Difficulty concentrating.
- Sleep difficulties.
- Ongoing sadness and low mood.
- Tearful.Â
- Loss of energy.
- Physical aches and pains.
- Changes in appetite.
- Lack of interest of pleasure in previous enjoyable activities.
- Feeling worthless or excessive inappropriate guilt.
Types of Depression
There are many different types of depression, below are a few common types
Postnatal – Usually begins shortly after giving birth, which can trigger a mother to feel overwhelmed, distressed, hopeless, low self esteem and struggling to cope with their daily functioning and new lifestyle changes as a parent.
Seasonal affective disorder – Occurs during seasonal periods, symptoms are more apparent during the winter season.
Bipolar – Extreme change in mood, ranging from high manic to a low lethargy depressed state.
How Therapy can help
Therapy can help provide a safe space to speak about your depression, your Therapist can help you identify underlying causes of your depression, providing a comfortable space to speak without judgement and help provide you with tools and techniques to help provide you with tools, techniques to help your mood, thoughts, feelings and behaviour.
