1. Let’s talk about…
DEPRESSION
© BDLD CIC 2018

2. 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

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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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