Depression is an extremely debilitating illness which affects not only the individual, but also their family, their friends, their employment, their self esteem, and ultimately, restricts the enjoyment of their life.
Many people with depression go through life without seeking help, believing that depression is just ‘part of them’, but in truth, depression is very treatable.
People with depression often feel that they are ‘alone’, whereas in-fact this is far from the case, with as many as one in six people suffering with some form of depression at some point in their lives.
Although there are many different types of depression, and indeed, many different intensities of the symptoms of depression, there are some common symptoms of depression and depressive illness:
- Consistent feelings of sadness, loneliness or tension.
- A reduction in feelings of pleasure associated with activities that have brought pleasure in the past.
- Significant weight loss or weight gain
- A change in sleeping patterns: increased sleep, inability to go to sleep, or constant or early waking.
- Lethargy, feeling tired all the time, and having less energy.
- Decreased ability to concentrate or remember.
- Increased pessimistic thoughts.
- A reduction in decision making skills
- Feeling worthless, ashamed, guilty or having a decrease in the level of self-worth or self-esteem.
- An unexplained feeling of restlessness.
- Suicidal thoughts.