Depression (sometimes referred to as clinical depression, major depressive disorder, or dysthmia) is a mood disorder characterised by persistent sadness which lasts for a few weeks or months. Depression can vary in severity and whilst some individuals may only experience one episode of depression in their lifetime, others can experience multiple episodes for extended periods of time.
Although at one time or another we all may experience fluctuations in our mood, and more specifically short lived periods of low mood, depression differs from this due to its long-lasting effects. Depression can cause great suffering and can impact multiple aspects of your life. You may experience difficulties at work, school or with your personal relationships with friends and family.
There are many successful treatments available for depression and it is important to find what works best for you. Whilst experiencing depression it can be difficult to remain hopeful, however it helps to remember that by finding the right treatment and support, most people with depression can make a full recovery.
Depression can cause both psychological and physical symptoms which vary between individuals such as:
The first step in getting help with your depression is to take action towards getting some support and treatment. Seeking help is the best thing you can do. This could be as simple as talking to someone you trust, such as a family member or a friend who can help to support you in accessing help. In addition to this you can talk to your GP or a charity such as MIND who will be able to provide you with more information as to how to get help.
There are many effective treatments for depression, these could include lifestyle changes, talking therapies and medication. The most important thing to remember is that what works for you may not be the same as what works for someone else and you may need a combination of different treatments.
Talking therapies, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) are frequently used for treating depression, sometimes in conjunction with other therapies or medication. Other types of talking therapy which may be helpful include: guided self help, counselling, behavioural activation, interpersonal therapy, and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Different talking therapies suit different people and one type of talking therapy may be more effective for you than another so it’s important to find which works best for you.
