Depression is one of the most common mental health problems across the world. The World Health Organisation says that ‘Globally, more than 264 million people of all ages suffer from depression.’ ( https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/depression)
Depression isn’t just feeling down sometimes, it is a constant feeling with no good days, and it hinders your lifestyle as it makes functioning normally nearly impossible.
It is very sad that some people think that this is not a illness, and that people can easily come out of it, but realistically this is wrong as depression is considered a a very serious health problem, if not treated for some. It all depends on how severely you have it, but if you have severe symptoms then you will struggle very hard to feel any sort of happiness.
Although depression is more an emotional feeling, it can show symptoms physically as well which on the NHS website they found that people will feel ‘constantly tired, they will be sleeping badly, swell as having no appetite or sex drive, and various aches and pains.’ https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/clinical-depression/)
The NHS say that: (https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/clinical-depression/)
‘The symptoms of depression range from mild to severe. At its mildest, you may simply feel persistently low in spirit, while severe depression can make you feel suicidal, that life is no longer worth living.’
Most people experience feelings of stress, anxiety or low mood during difficult times. A low mood may improve after a short period of time, rather than being a sign of depression.
It is important that if you or someone you know has these constant symptoms then you must contact a GP, as the sooner the better to make sure you can get help.
The NHS website shows that there are various treatments for Depression: (https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/clinical-depression/)
‘Treatment for depression can involve a combination of lifestyle changes, talking therapies and medicine. Your recommended treatment will be based on whether you have mild, moderate or severe depression.’
‘If you have mild depression, your doctor may suggest waiting to see whether it improves on its own, while monitoring your progress. This is known as “watchful waiting”. They may also suggest lifestyle measures such as exercise and self-help groups.’
‘Talking therapies, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), are often used for mild depression that is not improving, or moderate depression. Antidepressants are also sometimes prescribed.’
‘For moderate to severe depression, a combination of talking therapy and antidepressants is often recommended. If you have severe depression, you may be referred to a specialist mental health team for intensive specialist talking treatments and prescribed medicine.’
Depression is one of the main causes of suicide, so seeking help is vital in order to help, as otherwise you will suffer on your own, and will only make things worse.
I personally have suffered from depression from a young age, I don’t believe anything in particular bought it on, but the struggle I faced before finding help was awful, as I didn’t think I would ever feel better within myself. One thing that you must remember is you are not alone, and seeking help or guidance is not a sign of you being weak, but shows that you care about your mental health. It is so important now as many people struggle coming to terms with it, and actually doing something about it. I have found that especially men, do not like to admit they are struggling and this can be destructive for themselves due to toxic masculinity.
Helplines if you’re feeling depressed, or feeling in anyway that you may harm yourself please use:
Samaritans Helpline- 116 123
Papyrus HOPELINEUK – Under 35, if you are feeling suicidal thoughts- 0800 068 4141 or email pat@papyrus-uk.org or text 07786 209 697.
Depression can occur at any age, and it is starting to occur a lot more in young adults and teenagers.
‘No age group over 25 has a depression rate higher than 10%, but the younger groups all do, and the rate among college-age adults (20-21) has increased the most.‘ (https://www.businessinsider.com/depression-rates-by-age-young-people-2019-3?r=US&IR=T)
It is so important to spread awareness about this mental health problem, as it is one of the main ones that people across the world are struggling with, and the more awareness created the more likely people will find the help they need.
Looking at other peoples stories can help give hope for those who are under the impression that being depressed is something to be ashamed of, when it is not. It is something that is happening so much now that the more people speak out about it the more people can get an understanding of ways to not only help themselves but help others who they care about.
Mental Health Awarness Blog 