What is Depression?
A Serious Mental Illness
Description:
Everyone occasionally feels down, or sad. But these feelings are usually brief and pass within a couple of days. When you have depression, it interferes with daily life and causes pain for both you and those who care about you. Depression is a common, very serious illness.
Many people with a depressive illness never ask for help. But most people would get better with help. Medications, psychotherapies, and other methods can effectively treat people with depression. Even if you get help from friends, family, or people at school, they can help you get better.Signs and Symptoms:
Usual Behaviour:
not going out anymore
not getting things done at work/school
withdrawing from close family and friends
relying on alcohol, drugs and sedatives
not doing usual enjoyable activities
unable to concentrate
Feelings:
Some of the feelings they might experience are overwhelmness, guiltiness, irritation, frustration, lacking in confidence, low- self esteem, unhappiness, indecision, disappointment, miserableness and sadness.
Thoughts they might have:
'I’m a failure.'
'It’s my fault.'
'Nothing good ever happens to me.'
'I’m worthless.'
'Life’s not worth living.'
'People would be better off without me.'
Physical symptoms of depression:
tired all the time
sick and run down
headaches and muscle pains
churning gut
sleep problems
loss or change of appetite
significant weight loss or gain