Types of depression
There are several types of depression, some of which are listed below. Mild depression Depression is described as mild when it has a limited negative effect on your daily life. For example, you may have difficulty concentrating at work or motivating yourself to do the things you normally enjoy. Major depression Major depression interferes with an individual’s daily life - with eating, sleeping and other everyday activities. Some people may experience only one episode but it is more common to experience several episodes in a lifetime. It can lead to hospital admission, if the person is so unwell they are at risk of harm to themselves. Bi-polar disorder The mood swings in bi-polar disorder can be extreme- from highs, where the individual feels extremely elated and indestructible, to lows, where they may experience complete despair, lethargy and suicidal feelings. Sometimes people have very severe symptoms where they cannot make sense of their world and do things that seem odd or illogical. |
Post-natal depression
Many new mothers experience what are sometimes called 'baby blues' a few days after the birth. These feelings of anxiety and lack of confidence are very distressing but in most cases last only a couple of weeks. Post-natal depression is more intense and lasts longer. It can leave new mothers feeling completely overwhelmed, inadequate and unable to cope. They may have problems sleeping, panic attacks or an intense fear of dying. They may also experience negative feelings towards their child. It affects one in ten mothers and usually begins two to three weeks after the birth. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) SAD is associated with the start of winter and can last until spring when longer days bring more daylight. When it is mild, it is sometimes called ‘winter blues’. SAD can make the sufferer feel anxious, stressed and depressed. It may interfere with their moods and with their sleeping and eating patterns. |
Taking
control of your depression Depression often makes you feel helpless. Taking action to make yourself feel more in control will have a positive effect, whether it’s going to see your GP for treatment, joining a gym, going for daily walks, or doing something that you are interested in or good at. If you don’t feel up to starting something new or joining a local group on your own, ask a friend to come with you. There are many things you can do to help manage your symptoms and a wide range of treatments, both medical and non-medical, available through your GP. The sections below should help you to work out what you could be doing yourself and what information or support you may want to ask your GP about. |
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What causes depression? Depression can happen suddenly as a result of physical illness, experiences dating back to childhood, unemployment, bereavement, family problems, bullying, or other life-changing events. Sometimes, there may be no clear reason for your depression, but whatever the original cause, identifying what may affect how you feel and the things that are likely to trigger depression is an important first step. |