Depression is a common mental illness affecting people of all ages and social backgrounds. It is estimated that 20% of people in the UK will suffer from depression at some time in their lives at a cost of £8 billion each year to the economy in terms of lost work time, medication and benefits.
Depression is typified by feelings of helplessness, hopelessness and inadequacy and can leave people unable to carry out their normal daily routine. Depression can be triggered by stressful events such as bereavement, chronic illness and financial difficulties. People with low self-esteem and a negative outlook on life are also susceptible to the condition. It has also been suggested that some people develop depression simply due to their own body chemistry or some genetically inherited factor.
The main signs and symptoms of depression are:
Depression is typified by feelings of helplessness, hopelessness and inadequacy and can leave people unable to carry out their normal daily routine. Depression can be triggered by stressful events such as bereavement, chronic illness and financial difficulties. People with low self-esteem and a negative outlook on life are also susceptible to the condition. It has also been suggested that some people develop depression simply due to their own body chemistry or some genetically inherited factor.
The main signs and symptoms of depression are:
- Feelings of helplessness or hopelessness.
- Feeling inadequate or useless.
- A sense of self-hatred, constant questioning of thoughts and a need for constant reassurance.
- A sense of guilt.
- Feeling vulnerable and being oversensitive to criticism.
- Feeling physically run down. Feeling too tired or unmotivated to complete even menial tasks.
- Sudden changes in weight.
- Self harm.
- Loss of libido.
- Agitation and restlessness.
- Physical aches and pains.
Someone with severe depression may also hallucinate, stop eating and have suicidal thoughts.
There are several different types of depression the most common of which are clinically diagnosed depression, manic depression and post-natal depression. People with manic depression experience sudden mood swings from highly energetic, enthusiastic and optimistic at one extreme to despair, lethargy and sense of impending doom at the other. Some mothers develop post-natal depression within the first 2 years of birth.
The treatment for depression is improving all the time. There are several good anti-depressant drugs that can almost completely eradicate the symptoms, although these can also be accompanied by undesirable side effects. Self-help groups where people with depression share their experiences in a social setting are also a large comfort to many sufferers. In extreme cases referral to a psychiatrist or hospitalisation may be necessary.
© Insider Health
There are several different types of depression the most common of which are clinically diagnosed depression, manic depression and post-natal depression. People with manic depression experience sudden mood swings from highly energetic, enthusiastic and optimistic at one extreme to despair, lethargy and sense of impending doom at the other. Some mothers develop post-natal depression within the first 2 years of birth.
The treatment for depression is improving all the time. There are several good anti-depressant drugs that can almost completely eradicate the symptoms, although these can also be accompanied by undesirable side effects. Self-help groups where people with depression share their experiences in a social setting are also a large comfort to many sufferers. In extreme cases referral to a psychiatrist or hospitalisation may be necessary.
© Insider Health
