Understanding Depression
May 18, 2013 20:23:03 GMT 1
Post by cat on May 18, 2013 20:23:03 GMT 1
Many of us can often say that we are “depressed”. It describes the times when we don't feel ourselves. Everyone feels sad and upset sometimes, but when you feel persistently down for weeks, or months, rather than a few days, you could be suffering from depression.
Estimations claim that 6 million people – that’s about 1 in 5 - in the UK suffer from depression at some point in their life.
Depression is a serious condition that can affect every aspect of someone’s life. Many people do not know how to recognise the illness in others or themselves. Understanding and even accepting depression can be an important first step to recovery. A lack of understanding can mean people stay ill for longer and, in some cases, become progressively worse.
When people experience depression, they often find it hard to believe that treatment will help and find it difficult to imagine ever getting better. But, the sooner someone gets treatment, the sooner the depression will start to lift.
In its mildest form, depression can mean a period of low mood. It might not necessarily stop someone from leading life, but it makes everything seem so much harder and futile.
In its more serious form, depression can make someone feel utterly helpless and hopeless. There can also be some physical symptoms, with mild to strong suicidal ideation. It is imperative that people realise there is help available to overcome such a debilitating illness.
Depression for men
Depression in men often shows up differently to how it does in women. For men, there can be some stigma attached to showing and talking about their feelings. Often, they find it difficult to admit they need help. If they do admit they have a problem, many will insist on dealing with it themselves.
Depression for women
Twice as many women than men have a diagnosis of depression. Women’s bodies go through a lot more changes, during menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause.
It is important for everyone to realise that depression is an illness. Like many other physical illnesses, it often needs a period of treatment by medication and sometimes therapy.
Depression in Teenagers
Experts say that only 1 in 5 teenagers get the help they need. While some may appear sad, often they are more irritated than showing signs of depression.
Depressed teenagers often appear grumpy and hostile, and can display a short temper. Unexplained aches and pains are a common complaint. Untreated, these often-misunderstood depressive symptoms can lead to problems at home, school, with substance abuse, self-loathing, and self-harming
The signs & symptoms of Teenage Depression
• Sadness & feeling hopeless
• Irritability, anger and hostility
• Tearfulness & crying
• Withdrawing from family & friends
• Loss of interest in activities
• Changes in eating & sleeping patterns
• Restlessness & agitation
• Feeling worthless and guilty
• Apathy
• Bad concentration
• Thoughts of death or suicide
Older Adults and depression
Difficult physical changes later in life can lead to depression in older people, including bereavement, failing health, painful arthritic and other conditions. However, depression is not a normal part of ageing and help is available via the family GP
Estimations claim that 6 million people – that’s about 1 in 5 - in the UK suffer from depression at some point in their life.
Depression is a serious condition that can affect every aspect of someone’s life. Many people do not know how to recognise the illness in others or themselves. Understanding and even accepting depression can be an important first step to recovery. A lack of understanding can mean people stay ill for longer and, in some cases, become progressively worse.
When people experience depression, they often find it hard to believe that treatment will help and find it difficult to imagine ever getting better. But, the sooner someone gets treatment, the sooner the depression will start to lift.
In its mildest form, depression can mean a period of low mood. It might not necessarily stop someone from leading life, but it makes everything seem so much harder and futile.
In its more serious form, depression can make someone feel utterly helpless and hopeless. There can also be some physical symptoms, with mild to strong suicidal ideation. It is imperative that people realise there is help available to overcome such a debilitating illness.
Depression for men
Depression in men often shows up differently to how it does in women. For men, there can be some stigma attached to showing and talking about their feelings. Often, they find it difficult to admit they need help. If they do admit they have a problem, many will insist on dealing with it themselves.
Depression for women
Twice as many women than men have a diagnosis of depression. Women’s bodies go through a lot more changes, during menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause.
It is important for everyone to realise that depression is an illness. Like many other physical illnesses, it often needs a period of treatment by medication and sometimes therapy.
Depression in Teenagers
Experts say that only 1 in 5 teenagers get the help they need. While some may appear sad, often they are more irritated than showing signs of depression.
Depressed teenagers often appear grumpy and hostile, and can display a short temper. Unexplained aches and pains are a common complaint. Untreated, these often-misunderstood depressive symptoms can lead to problems at home, school, with substance abuse, self-loathing, and self-harming
The signs & symptoms of Teenage Depression
• Sadness & feeling hopeless
• Irritability, anger and hostility
• Tearfulness & crying
• Withdrawing from family & friends
• Loss of interest in activities
• Changes in eating & sleeping patterns
• Restlessness & agitation
• Feeling worthless and guilty
• Apathy
• Bad concentration
• Thoughts of death or suicide
Older Adults and depression
Difficult physical changes later in life can lead to depression in older people, including bereavement, failing health, painful arthritic and other conditions. However, depression is not a normal part of ageing and help is available via the family GP
poor you, what's up with your arm. You are really going through a tough time. ((((( hugs ))))) x