Depression is more than just a low mood – it’s a serious illness that has an impact on both physical and mental health.
We all have periods in our lives when we feel ‘blue’, sad, disappointed or upset but mostly these feeling soon pass and don’t affect the normal everyday things we do. Severe depression however affects people both mentally and emotionally and has a negative effect on a person’s everyday living. If you have been depressed for two weeks or more it is likely that you need help.
Symptoms of depression vary from person to person but generally people feel that they can’t complete daily tasks like they used to and they lose interest in things that they previously enjoyed. Often people also feel worried, irritable, agitated, tired and hopeless, as well as having difficulty concentrating and making decisions. They may also have trouble sleeping and/or eating.
If you feel you are suffering from depression, then it is important that you understand that it is not something you should feel ashamed of and it is not a sign of weakness or something you should feel guilty about. It is also important to understand that depression is not permanent and the chances of recovery are very good if you seek professional help.
You can learn ways to relieve your depression and begin to live a normal life again through Cognitive Behavioural therapy combined with other proven techniques. You can also learn to make changes in your thinking and your behavior that will lessen the likelihood that you will become depressed again.
The first step is to see your GP doctor about how you are feeling.
This post written by Margaret McDonald
Margaret is a clinical Psychologist based in Brisbane’s northern suburbs and works with children, adolescents and adults.
