“Depression is not a genetic fault or a mysterious illness that descends on us. It is something which we create for ourselves, and just as we create it, so we can dismantle it our creation.” (Rowe 1983)

Please visit a doctor.
https://111.nhs.uk/

Aspects of depression.

1. Low mood is a very common experience to us all. We all feel sad, miserable, feeling fed up. This may be because of disappointment, rejection of loss of something or someone.

2. However, depression can be described as a pathological state of sadness, where one’s mood is lowered to the point of causing significant stress to the individual.

Maladaptive.

There are several forms of depression –

Endogenous depression. This is when there tends to be a chemical or hormonal imbalance, although it can also be alcohol or drug induced.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD A Affective Disorder (SAD). Normally occurs during the autumn and winter months.

Reactive depression. This is directly related to change in circumstance and could be related to loss and bereavement issues. It has its origin in something quite specific and identifiable.

Symptoms.

Symptoms may include:
• Poor motivation.
• Lack of interest in activities.
• Withdrawing and isolation.
• Lack of social contact.
• Feelings of overwhelming sadness, guilt, low self esteem.
• Thinking negatively about oneself and the future.
• Unable to make decisions about one’s life and direction.
• Sleep disturbance. Early waking, unable to get up in the morning to face the world.

 

When does depression become a problem?

When it becomes disabling and their life is affected and the person is unable to fulfill daily living skills and activities such as going out and meeting people, taking appropriate nutrition and food, or where sleep is severely disturbed.

Managing Depression.

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy. CBT

A central concept within the cognitive behavioral approach would seem to be the idea that our interpretations of our experiences are simply hypothetical or beliefs rather than facts, and, as such, may be correct or incorrect to varying degrees.

Therefore, a person who presents as having depression may hold unrealistic and negative beliefs about themselves of their experiences, consequently emotional distress may result.

There may be several aspects to a person’s personality who suffers from depression.

This includes:

• Negative self -talk or negative thinking patterns about themselves, others, and their perception of circumstances.

• Interpreting life experiences in a negative manner, a tendency to perceive their future in a gloomy and bleak way.

Treatments may include

• Counselling.

• Medication.

• Admission to hospital if appropriate.

• Talking to friends and family.