Depression Community from HealthIndex UK

| The Advice Centre has been provided by Depression Alliance. Please visit the ## What is DepressionDepression is an illness in which there is persistent sadness with feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. These feelings may affect a person's ability to carry out normal daily activities. Depression may also be accompanied by a wide variety of physical and psychological symptoms. Depression can occur at any time and can affect anyone. Women are affected about twice as often as men. Women may become depressed after childbirth ( It is much misunderstood by the general public; yet it affects many people of all age groups. Those who have never suffered from it often suppose it can easily be shrugged off and will tell depressed people to " A number of famous people have suffered from depression, among them Personality may also play a part in depression. Although anyone can become depressed under certain circumstances, some of us seem to be more vulnerable than others, because of our individual makeup (including our body chemistry) or because of certain early experiences. ## Possible triggers of depression Depression may vary from a relatively mild episode to a severe one. ## The most common symptoms are: ## Other types of depression This type of depression is marked by extreme mood swings, from " 0181-974-6550 This is not the " 0171-386 0868 This depression coincides with the onset of winter, starting in September and lasting until April. It tends to be particularly bad in December, January and February. For more details contact: ## How can you cope with depression?1. Consult your GP Don't try to soldier on without help. Anti-depressant drugs may help. These are quite different from tranquillisers and are not addictive, they may be taken safely over long periods. Their only disadvantage is that they may have side-effects. These usually wear off after some weeks but if not see your GP. Some anti-depressants work quite quickly but some may take time before any benefits are felt. Do be patient, and if you are concerned see your GP for advice. In some cases your GP may refer you to a psychiatrist for further treatment which could include psychotherapy or counselling, ' We advocate the setting up of small groups where people can offer each other mutual support and understanding. We have found this to be most beneficial. ## Other antidotes to depression This is a skill which has to be learned because most depressed people are tense and anxious. It is very helpful and beneficial. The exhaustion felt in depression is more mental than physical. Exercisewill stimulate the brain and this may ease the symptoms. This together with taking short breaks for rest during the day may lessen tension and ease depression. There are many books available on the subject. The Depression Alliance provide ## Leaflets, booklets and videosMany leaflets are available - they contain basic information about depression and self-help: | » « » « » «» « » « » « » «» « » « » « This site has been developed by Email : |

The Advice Centre has been provided by Depression Alliance. Please visit the Depression Alliance web site for further information.

• What is depression
• Possible triggers of depression
• Common symptoms
• Other types of depression
• Other antidotes to depression
• Leaflets, booklets and videos

What is Depression

Depression is an illness in which there is persistent sadness with feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. These feelings may affect a person's ability to carry out normal daily activities.

Depression may also be accompanied by a wide variety of physical and psychological symptoms.

Depression can occur at any time and can affect anyone. Women are affected about twice as often as men. Women may become depressed after childbirth (post natal depression) and during the menopause, but it may also occur at any other stage in life.

It is much misunderstood by the general public; yet it affects many people of all age groups. Those who have never suffered from it often suppose it can easily be shrugged off and will tell depressed people to "pull themselves together", or to "snap out of it", which in depression is quite impossible.

A number of famous people have suffered from depression, among them Florence Nightingale and Sir Winston Churchill. Winston Churchill use to call it his "black dog". Depression can affect anyone.

Personality may also play a part in depression. Although anyone can become depressed under certain circumstances, some of us seem to be more vulnerable than others, because of our individual makeup (including our body chemistry) or because of certain early experiences.

We feel it is important for people to know that:

1. Depression is an illness which can affect anyone at any age.
2. It is not connected to and does not develop into insanity.
3. There is no need to feel alone. Depression Alliance can help.

Depression may be a result of stresses in life, inherited or brought about by chemical imbalances in the body.

Possible triggers of depression

• Having experienced sexual, emotional and/or physical abuse as a child or adult.
• After an operation or childbirth.
• Bereavement.
• Marriage or relationship problems.
• Divorce or ending of a relationship.
• Loneliness.
• Unemployment.
• Redundancy.
• Retirement.
• Financial difficulties.
• Relative's or friend's suicide.
• As a reaction to chronic illness and/or pain.
• Symptoms can appear after e.g. flu, post traumatic stress disorder following involvement in a major disaster, war or accident.
• Any other stressful event.

The most common symptoms are:

• Utter fatigue and tearfulness.
• A lack of drive and motivation, that makes even simple tasks and decisions difficult or impossible.
• Feeling useless, inadequate, bad, helpless and hopeless.
• Loss or gain in weight
• Loss or gain in appetite.
• Insomnia or excessive sleeping.
• Self-hatred and constantly questioning your thoughts.
• Jumbled thoughts of the past.
• Forgetfulness.
• Loss of sex drive.
• Agitation and restlessness.
• Sense of unreality.
• Being over-sensitive and vulnerable.
• Fear without a reason for it.
• Bursts of anger or impatience.
• Feeling guilty or unworthy.
• Physical aches and pains and the fear these may indicate a serious illness.
• Being unable to put thought into words, to talk naturally to others or even smile.

In severe depression these may be accompanied by:

• Suicidal ideas.
• Failure to eat or drink.
• Delusions and/or hallucinations.

Other types of depression

Manic

This type of depression is marked by extreme mood swings, from "highs" of excessive energy and elation, to "lows" of utter despair and lethargy. Manic depression is often treated with lithium, which evens out the mood swings. For more details contact:

The Manic Depression Fellowship,
8-10 High Street,
Kingston upon Thames
KT1 1EY.
Tel: 0181-974-6550

Post-Natal

This is not the "baby blues" which occurs 2-3 days after the birth and goes away. This depression can occur from about 2 weeks and up to 2 years after the birth. For more details contact:

The Association for Post Natal Illness,
75 Jerdan Place,
Hammersmith,
London,
SW6 1BE
Tel: 0171-386 0868

SAD

Seasonal Affective Disorder.

This depression coincides with the onset of winter, starting in September and lasting until April. It tends to be particularly bad in December, January and February. For more details contact:

SAD Association,
PO Box 989,
London
SW7 2PZ.

How can you cope with depression?

Don't try to soldier on without help. Anti-depressant drugs may help. These are quite different from tranquillisers and are not addictive, they may be taken safely over long periods. Their only disadvantage is that they may have side-effects. These usually wear off after some weeks but if not see your GP. Some anti-depressants work quite quickly but some may take time before any benefits are felt. Do be patient, and if you are concerned see your GP for advice.

2. Specialist treatment

In some cases your GP may refer you to a psychiatrist for further treatment which could include psychotherapy or counselling, 'talking treatments'. Admission to hospital may be necessary and in some cases a course of ECT (electro-convulsive therapy) might be recommended.

3. Self help

We advocate the setting up of small groups where people can offer each other mutual support and understanding. We have found this to be most beneficial.

Other antidotes to depression

Relaxation

This is a skill which has to be learned because most depressed people are tense and anxious. It is very helpful and beneficial.

Exercise

The exhaustion felt in depression is more mental than physical. Exercisewill stimulate the brain and this may ease the symptoms.

Reduction of the workload

This together with taking short breaks for rest during the day may lessen tension and ease depression.

Read about depression

There are many books available on the subject. The Depression Alliance provide books, videos and leaflets to which provide practical suggestions for coping. Visit the online BookShop

Leaflets, booklets and videos

Many leaflets are available - they contain basic information about depression and self-help:

• Self Help
• Caring for Carers
• Depression and Anti-Depressants
• Depression in Children and Young People
• Student Stress Survival Pack
• Beating Depression at Christmas
• Video: Understanding Depression
• Counselling & Psychotherapy: is it for me? - British Association for Counselling
• (RCPsych) Leaflets - Royal College of Psychiatrists