Many people will describe themselves as feeling depressed when, in fact, they are simply suffering from low mood or just feeling “fed-up”. Clinical depression, on the other hand, is a serious illness which can tear lives apart, leaving people feeling that their lives will never be the same again.
Symptoms of Depression
The symptoms of depression can come in many forms. They are not just psychological, but can manifest themselves as physical signs and have far reaching effects.
As well as extended periods of low mood, the psychological symptoms of depression include tearfulness, often for no apparent reason; suicidal thoughts; irritability or anger; anxiety; and a lack of interest in sex. Sufferers may lose motivation, no longer enjoy the things they used to and become more withdrawn.
The physical symptoms associated with depression include gaining or losing weight, lack of energy and often result in aches and pains all over the body with no explanation. Sufferers often find it difficult to establish or maintain a regular sleep pattern, either struggling to get to sleep during the night, sleeping excessively or waking during the night.
Although this is not an exhaustive list of symptoms, it is easy to see why someone suffering from depression may begin to withdraw from their friends and family. As they lose interest in previously enjoyable activities, they no longer have any desire to participate in them. They may refuse invitations to social occasions and avoid seeing friends.
Causes of Depression
The National Health Service (NHS) in the United Kingdom recognises that there is no single “cause” of depression. A life-changing event or traumatic experience could be the trigger for one person’s bout of depression.
There are cases where there seems to be no clear event or experience to blame for the illness, and some bouts are a result of an imbalance in brain chemistry. Drug use and excessive consumption or dependency on alcohol appear to be a factor in some cases of depression.
A combination of any of these factors may result in depression. It may also be the case that a sufferer has a genetic predisposition to depression, having inherited a “short 5-HTT” gene from their parents. Carriers of this gene are more susceptible to depression, and it appears from this that people with a family history of depression are more at risk of suffering from it themselves.
Treatment of Depression
There are a great many treatments available for depression. In order to receive the most appropriate treatment, however, it is vital to seek advice from a qualified medical professional who can assess the severity of the condition.
For mild to moderate depression, many people choose to take St John’s Wort, a herbal medication available over-the-counter in many countries. There are, however, side effects and interactions with other medications to be considered, so this medication should be discussed with a GP before use. St John’s Wort must never be used in conjunction with antidepressant medication.
Exercise has also proved beneficial in the treatment of depression, as set out in the Department of Health's report: “At least five a week: Evidence on the impact of physical activity and its relationship to health” Any aerobic activity, including walking, carried out daily can have great results in alleviating the symptoms of depression.
Talking therapies are also popular, ranging from cognitive behavioural therapy (“CBT”) to counselling. CBT involves changing attitudes and challenging negative thoughts and behaviours to create a more positive attitude. It is, however, very difficult to obtain CBT, particularly on the NHS in the United Kingdom, but the free service provided by the Living Life to the Full website sets out the principles of CBT, how it benefits patients and guides users through the therapy. Counselling allows sufferers to talk through their problems and issues. The sufferer can explore their problems and establish ways of dealing effectively with them, with the support of the counsellor.
In some cases, particularly ones of severe depression, antidepressants may be prescribed. There are a wide range of medications available, each with their own benefits and side effects. While one may prove to be unsuitable, it is worth speaking to a doctor about any problems experienced with the medication. The doctor will then be able to prescribe a more appropriate antidepressant.
While each antidepressant varies, these medications typically take 4-6 weeks to be effective and begin to reduce the symptoms of depression. Once they begin to take effect, other treatments, such as exercise and counselling, may also be introduced to maximise the benefits.
Depression is a very serious illness, and one which can make sufferers feel as though their lives are over. With the correct treatment, however, it is possible to alleviate the symptoms and regain enjoyment from life.
There really is life after depression.
For information on the symptoms and treatment of anxiety, see Living with Anxiety.
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