Depression is a “whole-body” illness, involving your body, mood, and thoughts. It affects the way you eat and sleep, the way you feel about yourself, and the way you think about things. A depressive disorder is not the same as a passing bad mood. It is not a sign of personal weakness or a condition that can be willed or wished away. People with a depressive illness cannot merely “pull themselves together” and get better. Without treatment, symptoms can last for weeks, months, or years. Appropriate treatment, however, can help most people who suffer from depression.
Triggers:
Sometimes, a specific stressful experience, such as a bereavement or new challenge, then strains a person’s coping resources so much that depression has a way in. In other cases, there is no obvious trigger and depression sneaks in quietly and reinforces itself without the person realising. Whatever the reason or trigger, if you feel depression may be affecting you, make an appointment with a university counsellor. They can help with referrals – remember, only doctors and healthcare professionals can diagnose depression.
Warning Signs:
Depression affects people in different ways. There are a range of warning signs which may indicate depression is trying to move in on your life. Most of these can also be a normal part of the ups and downs of everyday life and most people will have experienced some of these signs at some time.
• Persistently sad, anxious, empty or generally low mood
• Loss of interest (in studies and life in general)
• Lethargy or decreased energy
• Irregular sleep or change in sleep pattern
• Appetite or weight changes
• Increased tearfulness
• Restlessness
• Poor concentration and difficulty making decisions
• Hopelessness and pessimism:
• Feelings of helplessness
• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
• Thoughts of death or suicide
If you can see a trend of several of these signs which have persisted over several weeks then take it seriously. Check whether depression may be affecting you and take appropriate action – book some sessions with Louise.