Depression: What it is, Symptoms and Treatment

Depression is a common mental health condition that can have a serious impact on day-to-day life for many people. Everyone feels sad, moody or low from time to time. Depression, however, is a serious mental health issue where sadness, flat or low mood or a sense of ‘emptiness’ is prolonged-lasting weeks, months and sometimes years.

Signs and symptoms of depression

A person may be depressed if, over a certain length of time, they have experienced either (or both) of the following:

• a prolonged sense of sadness, emptiness, or low mood for most of the day, nearly every day

• a loss of interest or pleasure in almost all activities, even ones usually enjoyed

• changes to appetite changes to sleep (finding it difficult to fall or stay asleep or excessive sleeping)

• low energy

Tips to help improve mood

Look after your health, exercise, diet and other health behaviours can support recovery from depression, so it is important to:

• make sure you are eating well

• get regular exercise, as this can help improve your mood

• avoid using alcohol, tobacco and other drugs to cope when you are finding things difficult

Notice your thinking patterns

Being aware of our thoughts and feelings is an important step toward improving how we feel. Taking notes on this can help you to figure out which thoughts make you feel better or worse.

Take action to manage depression

Make a list of things that you usually enjoy. It might include activities like light exercise, reading, meditating, listening to music, or spending time with a friend. Then, write down a list of things that are important to you that would give you a sense of achievement – things that would feel good to get done. This might include household chores, errands, work tasks or study. Now, take your weekly schedule and make time each day to attend to a task from each list. It is important to set small realistic goals and then work towards achieving them.

Getting help for depression

It’s important to get help and the right treatment for depression. There is a range of effective treatments, that can help you recover/manage.

Therapy can help support people with life’s curve balls, the hard times and the tough stuff so you don’t have to go it alone. If you’re feeling like you are stuck in a rut, as though you can’t catch a break or maybe that it’s all a bit too much, then we’re here to listen. Book an appointment or reach out today to find out more about how we can help you get back on track.

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