Understanding Depression

What is Depression? Depression is a word that is used both for a sad, despairing mood and for a psychiatric disorder.

What is Depression? Everyone feels sad, down or blue at times, often following a disappointment, loss of a loved one or other traumatic life event. This is a normal reaction and our depressed moods usually lift fairly quickly. However, when a depressed mood persists and becomes a more significant mental health problem, it is commonly referred to as clinical depression.

What is Depression? Depression is much worse than simple unhappiness. Clinical depression is a “mood disorder.” This means that a person’s emotional state is abnormally low or sad, and this impacts negatively on the person’s performance at work, at school or in social relationships.

What are the symptoms of depression? Lowered self-esteem and self -worth Change in sleep patterns, that is, insomnia or over-sleeping Changes in appetite or weight Less ability to control emotions such as pessimism, anger, guilt and anxiety Reduced capacity to experience pleasure: you can't enjoy hobbies anymore Poor concentration and memory Reduced motivation: it doesn't seem worth the effort to do anything Lowered energy levels Suicidal thoughts or an attempt at suicide

What are the causes of Depression? 1. Genetic and family history 2. Psychological vulnerability 3. Life events or environmental stresses

What are the causes of Depression? 1. Genetic and family history Genetic research suggests that depression can run in families. A family history of depression does not necessarily mean children or other relatives will develop depression. However, they have a slightly higher chances of becoming depressed at some stage in their lives. A genetic predisposition alone, however, is unlikely to cause depression.

What are the causes of Depression? 2. Psychological vulnerability Personality style, and the way a person has learned to deal with problems, may contribute to the onset of depression. If they are the type of person who has a low opinion of themselves and worry a lot, or if they tend to hide their feelings, they may be at greater risk of becoming depressed.

What are the causes of Depression? 3. Life events or environmental stresses Some studies suggest that early childhood trauma can lead to the onset of depression. Examples of this include the death or separation of parents; parental neglect; and physical, sexual or emotional abuse.

What are the causes of Depression? Adult life events that can cause depression include the death of a loved one, divorce, the loss of a job and serious financial problems. Living with chronic family problems can also seriously affect a person’s mood and lead to depressive symptoms.

Who does Depression affect? Depression can affect anyone. It affects people of all ages, including children and adolescents. Depression affects both genders but is slightly more common in women. Depression affects people from all backgrounds.

What treatment is there for depression? People with depression are often seen first by their family doctor or GP. In milder cases, family doctors can assess and treat them. They may refer them to other community resources such as counselling services and drop-in centres.

What treatment is there for depression? If their depressive symptoms are more severe, they may be referred to a psychiatrist who can treat them as an outpatient or, if necessary, admit them to hospital.

What treatment is there for depression? The most commonly used treatments are: psychiatric medications, such as antidepressants Psychotherapy or “talking work” with a therapist electroconvulsive therapy (shock therapy) These treatments may be used on their own or in combination.

How can we support people suffering from Depression? It is very helpful for a person’s partner or family to learn about the disorder, either through reading materials, attending a family support and education group or talking with a mental health professional.

What to tell children whose relatives have depression 1. Emphasise that the parent or family member behaves this way because he or she is sick. 2. Reassure the child that he or she did not make the parent or family member depressed because of something they did or did not do. 3. Reassure the child that the adults in the family and other people, such as doctors, are trying to help the depressed person.