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Has someone got depression?
Depression – more common than the common cold!
Depression is very common. Most adults, at some point in their lives, will experience some significant depression. It can make you feel like a victim, it can make you live life the wrong way. The experience of having depression can vary enormously between people. When it is severe, it may result in someone going to hospital because they are unable to function. Fortunately, this is relatively rare. However, most people experience depression in its more moderate form.
An illness or reaction to life?
The experience of depression may arise from events that have happened in life. If you lose your job, or your relationship breaks up, or a member of your family dies, a period of being sad and lost is commonplace. But even so, people can still struggle to find their way forward. It often works in the shadows. You may not be fully aware of what’s happening. And, it is important to realise that it not only affects you but your partner, children, your workmates, and your friends.
Despondent lack of activity
Poor sleep
No energy
Lack of appetite
Eating too much or too little
Too much alcohol
Irritability
Low tolerance
Frustration
Use of recreational drugs
Profound pessimism
Poor concentration
Depression affects people in different ways
Decreased sexual activity
Bad relationships
Withdrawal from usual social contact
Not wanting to face the day
Sadness and tearfulness for no reason
Loss of confidence
Despondent lack of activity
Poor sleep
No energy
Lack of appetite
Eating too much or too little
Too much alcohol
Irritability
Low tolerance
Frustration
Use of recreational drugs
Profound pessimism
Poor concentration
Decreased sexual activity
Bad relationships
Withdrawal from usual social contact
Not wanting to face the day
Sadness and tearfulness for no reason
Loss of confidence
It can be complicated.
Men get depressed as much as women but often do not like to talk about it. You can look normal on the outside but inside it feels like you are slowly dying. And sometimes you do not realise how much it has got you trapped. Anxiety is often associated with depression as well as past emotional, physical and sexual abuse commonly presenting as depression. You may have tried to help yourself with positive thinking techniques but none of it seems to make a difference. And sometimes physical illnesses manifest as depression.