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What is Depression?
The word 'depression' causes much confusion. It is often used to describe when someone is feeling 'low', 'miserable', 'in a mood', or having 'got out of bed on the wrong side'. However, doctors use the word in two different ways. They can use it to describe the symptom of a 'low mood', or to refer to a specific illness, ie a 'depressive illness'. This forum, relates to depression - the illness.
Depression is very common. Almost anybody can develop the illness; it is certainly NOT a sign of weakness. Depression is also treatable. You may need to see a doctor, but there are things you can do yourself or things you can do to help somebody suffering from the illness. What you cannot do is 'PULL YOURSELF TOGETHER' - no matter whether this is what you think you should be able to do, or what other people tell you to do.
| What causes depression?
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No one fully understands the causes of depression.
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Genes or early life experiences may make some people
vulnerable.
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Stressful life events, such as losing a job or a relationship
ending, may trigger an episode of depression.
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Depression can be triggered by some physical illnesses, drug treatments and recreational drugs.
| Symptoms of depression:
Stress can lead to
you to feeling 'down' and 'miserable'. What is different about a depressive
illness is that these feelings last for weeks or months, rather than days.-
Losing interest in normal activities, hobbies and everyday
life.
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Feeling tired all of the time and having no energy.
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Difficulty sleeping or waking early in the morning (though some
feel that they can't get out of bed and 'face the world').
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Having a poor appetite, no interest in food and losing weight
(though some people overeat and put on weight - 'comfort eating').
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Losing interest in sex.
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Finding it difficult to concentrate and think
straight.
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Feeling restless, tense and anxious.
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Being irritable.
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Losing self-confidence.
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Avoiding other people.
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Feeling useless and inadequate - 'a waste of space'.
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Feeling guilty about who you are and what you have
done.
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Thinking about suicide.
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