Depression is a common condition that affects both men and women, young and old. It’s more frequent in people with a family history of depression and in those who have experienced a life-changing event, like losing a loved one, but it can happen to anyone for no obvious reason.
Symptoms of depression
People with depression often experience intense feelings of persistent sadness, helplessness and hopelessness, and these are sometimes accompanied by physical pains, low energy levels and sleeplessness. Depression can make everyday things – like getting out of bed, eating a meal or speaking to friends – almost impossible to manage, causing people to become less sure of who they are and what they’re good at.
Seek support straight away
Many people wait a long time before they get help but, the sooner you seek help, the easier it is to break the hold that the depression has on you, allowing you to recover sooner. The danger of depression is that it can feed on itself – negative thoughts become automatic and harder to challenge.
Techniques to help:
- Gentle exercise. Physical activities like dancing, cycling or gardening can help you to feel better.
- Pursue other interests. Hobbies and interests can help you to focus on something positive.
- Fight negative thoughts. Try to replace patterns of negative thinking with more constructive activities.
- Give yourself time to wind down. Depression is often linked with tension, stress and anxiety, so you may find that relaxation techniques, like yoga, reading or time away, can ease your condition.
- Share your experience with others. It can be a relief to meet others who are in a similar situation, helping you to see that there is a way out.
