WHAT IS DEPRESSION?
What is Depression?
Depression is classified as a mood disorder. It may be described as feelings of sadness, loss, or anger that interfere with a person’s everyday activities.
People experience depression in different ways. It may interfere with your daily work, resulting in lost time and lower productivity. It can also influence relationships and some chronic health conditions.
What causes depression?
While we don’t know exactly what causes depression, a number of things are often linked to its development. Depression usually results from a combination of recent events and other longer-term or personal factors, rather than one immediate issue or event.
Signs and symptoms
Behaviour
-
not going out anymore
-
not getting things done at work/school
-
withdrawing from close family and friends
-
relying on alcohol and sedatives
-
not doing usual enjoyable activities
Feelings
-
overwhelmed
-
guilty
-
irritable
-
frustrated
-
lacking in confidence
-
unhappy
-
indecisive
-
disappointed
-
miserable
-
sad
Thoughts
-
'I’m a failure.'
-
'It’s my fault.'
-
'Nothing good ever happens to me.'
-
'I’m worthless.'
-
'Life’s not worth living.'
-
'People would be better off without me.'
Physical
-
tired all the time
-
sick and run down
-
headaches and muscle pains
-
churning gut
-
sleep problems
-
loss or change of appetite
-
significant weight loss or gain
DO YOU WANT TO BE FREE FROM DEPRESSION?