Depression

This short video captures the emotional journey of what it feels like to have depression. Watching it could be a great way to perhaps make sense of what you are dealing with right now.

Signs/symptoms of depression

The signs of depression vary and can be complex between people, but can range from feeling sad to feeling hopeless and having a loss of interest in activities that once brought you joy.

Here is a list of common symptoms of depression, though it doesn’t mean that you will have or feel all of them.

Emotional symptoms associated with depression

• Continuous low moods (sadness)
• Low self-esteem
• Feeling guilt-ridden
• Loss of interest in things
• Feeling helpless/hopeless
• Being intolerable of others
• Difficulty in making decisions
• Feeling anxious

Or more severe symptoms, such as having suicidal thoughts or thoughts of harming or actually harming yourself.

Physical symptoms associated with depression

• Changes in your eating habits(increased or decreased appetite)
• Lack of energy
• Lack of sex drive
• Unexplained aches or pains
• Disturbed sleep patterns (finding it hard to fall asleep or waking up very early in the morning)

Social symptoms when feeling depressed

• Not wanting to see friends or family
• Actively avoiding taking part in social gatherings
• Not wanting to take part in any of your hobbies or interests
• Having problems with your home and work life

There are different levels of depression, ranging from mild to severe.

Mild depression has a certain impact on your day to day life.

Moderate depression has a massive effect on your day to day life.

Severe depression makes every day feel almost impossible to get through.

Different types of depression

• Postnatal depression
• Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
• Bipolar disorder

Ways you can help yourself when depressed

• Reach out: Stay connected with friends and family. As hard as it might feel, it’s important to not isolate yourself too much.
• Reconnect with things you once enjoyed: Doing something that once made you feel good is a great little mood booster and it also helps you gain enthusiasm with it again.
• Get moving: When getting out of bed in the morning can be a struggle, it feels almost impossible to consider trying anything else. However, exercise is a massive depression fighter, as raising endorphins and serotonin levels for just 10 mins a day to start with is a great way to begin your healing journey. When the feeling to do so isn’t there, just fake it until you make it!
• Try to fuel your body well: Eating balanced and healthy meals will help with your moods. Think about what you put in your body as it affects how you feel about yourself and how you feel in general, so if you fuel yourself with rubbish, it is likely you’ll start to feel exactly that! So try to stay away from too much of the bad stuff… eat well to feel well.
• Get some sunlight: 10-15 mins of sunlight a day, even if it’s a bit cloudy, helps hugely with our moods and well being. Nature is great at helping us reconnect and feel grounded again.
• Counselling: Talk to anyone, as long as you’re talking to someone. Do not feel shame, do not stay silent. Let the professionals help you whilst you also help yourself. Remember, you are worthy and you are important.

For relaxation techniques, please click here.