What is depression?
While we all feel sad, moody or low from time to time, some people experience these feelings intensely, for long periods of time (weeks, months or even years) and sometimes without any apparent reason. Depression is more than just a low mood it can have an impact on both physical and mental health.
What is the cause of depression?
There is no exact cause of depression but rather a number of things that can be associated with its development. Generally, depression does not result from a single event, but from a combination of recent events and other longer-term or personal factors that can contribute to a person developing depression.
Research suggests that continuing difficulties, such as long-term unemployment, living in an abusive or uncaring relationship, long-term isolation or loneliness or prolonged exposure to stress at work, are more likely to cause depression than recent life stressors. However, recent events such as losing a job or a combination of events can ‘trigger’ depression in people who are already at risk because of past bad experiences or personal factors.
Symptoms of depression include;
- depression affects how people feel about themselves
- feelings of worthlessness, disappointment, guilt and irritability
- loss of interest in work, hobbies and doing things they normally enjoy
- withdrawal form close friends/ family
- lack of energy
- difficulty sleeping or sleeping more than usual
- loss or change of appetite
- unable to concentrate
- lack of confidence
- difficult to manage daily life