Depression
Depression is a serious condition that can affect both mental and physical health.
The World Health Organisation predicts that by 2020 depression will be the second major disability in the world. Depression has many causes and there are multiple ways to manage it.
Symptoms of Depression
Depression can affect our thought processes and behaviours in ways we can feel:
- chronic fatigue
- lack of motivation
- anxiety
- diminished energy
- inability to enjoy usually pleasurable activities
- poor relationships
- isolation
- low mood
- negative thinking patterns
Depression is more than just a low mood and is a serious condition that can affect both your mental and physical health.
Understanding the symptoms and causes of depression is essential to recovery.
Depression Risk Factors
A number of factors can contribute to depression including:
- genetics
- biochemical factors
- illness
- personality and temperament
- aging
- environmental and relational stress, such as abusive relationships, bullying, and work stress
- trauma
Depression can cause significant impairment in our daily life. It is important that we seek help to understand causes and risk factors to understand why it occurs and how to deal with it.
Treatment of Depression
Often people can experience significant change in a short time with quality treatment and commitment to applying strategies in their everyday life. Strong coping strategies mean that we can learn to live well with depression rather than living in fear of it.
HANDY TIPS
- Stay in touch – Don’t withdraw from life. Socialising can improve your mood. Talk to family and friends, its ok to let them know when you are low.
- Be active – Exercise can help lift your mood. Start with gentle walking for 20 minutes every day.
- Positive affirmations – Write down some affirmation and repeat them to yourself daily.
- Daily mindfulness – engaging in a mindfulness practice each day can make you feel better and builds self-observation. There are lots of great apps to help build a practice. Remember rumination does not increase psychological insight.