Let’s talk about… DEPRESSION © BDLD CIC 2018

WHAT IS DEPRESSION? Depression is a mood disorder. It can best be described as a persistent sadness and/or low mood. Note the word “or”. Not everyone who is experiencing depression feels sad, they may “just” feel down, deflated or negative, with little interest in life. Persistent usually means at least 2 weeks. © BDLD CIC 2018

HOW COMMON IS IT? (Percentage of the population) © BDLD CIC 2018

HOW CAN IT FEEL? Low self-esteem Worrying Tiredness Frustration Sadness Low self-worth A sense of hopelessness and helplessness Loss of interest in normally enjoyable activities Energy loss and general lethargy Persistent negative thoughts © BDLD CIC 2018

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE SYMPTOMS? There is a wide range of symptoms, some of which are opposite to each other. Disturbed sleep or over-sleeping Over-eating or under-eating Loss of motivation and focus Social withdrawal and isolating In more severe cases, thoughts of self harm and/or suicide © BDLD CIC 2018

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE POSSIBLE SIGNS? Weight gain or weight loss Looking tired, yawning Dishevelled appearance Drop in performance Drop in participation Talking negatively about life/situations Increased use of alcohol, drugs and/or cigarettes Not attending work and/or social events © BDLD CIC 2018

WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS? Adverse life events (debt, unemployment, separation, illness, etc.) Bad news A family history of depression An unhappy/unstable childhood Poverty Lack of social support Caring for someone Childbirth: antenatal or postnatal depression Menopause, mid-life, empty nest syndrome Some medical conditions Some medications © BDLD CIC 2018

If You’re Experiencing Depression Talk about what’s bothering you and how you’re feeling. Identify what you can change and take action. Identify & accept what you can’t change. Use helpful coping strategies to relax. Exercise, sleep, socializing and positive activities (hobbies, learning, going away for a break) are just a few examples. Consider visiting your GP if it won’t shift. Keep unhelpful activities to a minimum (drinking, smoking, use of substances, bottling things up). Come and speak to me. I promise to listen and not judge. © BDLD CIC 2018