Depression

The week of 14th to 20th of April 2008 is National Depression Awareness Week, this years theme is to raise awareness around the condition.

One in five of us will be affected by depression at some point in our lives. Depression is an 'invisible' illness and people who are depressed often appear outwardly the same as someone who is well. This can lead to others being unsympathetic when for example time is taken off work. Colleagues, family and friends may find it difficult to see how bad the person is feeling on the inside.

So what is Depression?

At times we can all feel fed up and low in response to difficult experiences. Feeling low when you are going through a stressful time in your life is normal however when these low feelings persist and are accompanied by intense sadness, hopelessness, helplessness and physical symptoms such as lethargy and sleeplessness you may have depression.

How we feel emotionally can affect how we feel physically. Feeling low can result in aches and pains such as headaches, stiff necks, shoulder and back aches. Persistent sadness, disturbed sleep patterns, lack of concentration, loss of confidence and self-esteem are all possible signs of depression. People may find themselves avoiding others, not coping and losing interest or pleasure in activities that they previously may have enjoyed.

If you experience these symptoms regularly throughout the day or for longer than two weeks it is advisable to seek specialist advice and help.

Treatments

There are various treatments for depression and a combination of different approaches can work best. Antidepressant medication prescribed by your GP works by helping to stabilise your mood. It may be four to six weeks before you begin to feel the benefit from the medication. Sleeping problems and tiredness are usually the first symptoms to improve.

Regular exercise can be an effective way to treat some forms of depression. Research studies indicate that exercise produces a brain chemical called endorphins which may help with depression, anxiety, sleep and sexual activity and can lead to feelings of wellbeing. Exercise does not have to be an energetic gym session! You can go for a brisk walk for around thirty minutes a day and feel the benefit. If you have not exercised for sometime it is advisable to discuss this with your G.P.

Diet may contribute to depression, especially poor eating habits and constant snacking on junk foods. Some foods such as bananas and turkey have proteins that help to create the chemical serotonin - a ‘feel good’ chemical. Salmon and oily fish are good choices as they contain omega-3 fatty acids. A diet deficient in omega-3 fatty acids may lower brain levels of serotonin.

Some people with mild depression may get benefit from such things as aromatherapy, acupuncture or St John’s Wort, it is always advisable to discuss with your GP before opting for Complementary Therapy.

Try and do something which you enjoy each day. It does not have to be expensive, for example setting some time aside to read a book, make some ‘you time’!

Talking Therapy or Counselling can be an alternative to medication or work hand in hand with it. The antidepressant may lift your mood while the counselling may help you to address the underlying cause and recognise negative thoughts. Together you and your counsellor can look at ways to change the way you think about yourself and your situation which can lead to a happier and more fulfilling life in the future.

There is no 'magic cure' for depression however a variety of help is at hand. You may have good and bad days. If you are having a bad day, try and imagine that you are on a flight of stairs, you have not slipped to the bottom of the stairs, but just gone back one step and may well move up again soon.

If you feel that you or somebody you know may be suffering from depression and you would like more information please contact us at A Time To Talk Counselling and Coaching Service on 07722 023950 or email: enquiries@attt.co.uk