“Mental pain is less dramatic than physical pain, but it is more common and also more hard to bear. The frequent attempt to conceal mental pain increases the burden: it is easier to say “My tooth is aching” than to say “My heart is broken.””

— ― C.S. Lewis, The Problem of Pain

How to recognise Depression?

Life throws us many challenges, and with this, we experience the normal ups and downs. This means that everyone feels sad or has what is known as “the blues” from time to time. When your feelings turn into emptiness and despair and don’t leave you, it might be time to seek help. Depression can affect the things you use to enjoy and can affect how you function in everyday life. Just getting through each day may be difficult and feel overwhelming. Understanding depression can be the first step in trying to overcome this problem.

Depression: What is it?

Depression is a mental health condition with affects thinking, energy, feelings, and behaviour. It can vary from mild to severe and can prove to be mentally and physically debilitating in some cases, impacting the individual’s family and work life. It is possible to minimise the impact of depression by accessing information and support and finding ways to manage the condition.

What should I look out for if I think I have depression?

Depression has eight main symptoms, and the advice is to speak to a GP or mental health professional if you notice five or more of these symptoms, lasting for two weeks or more. The symptoms are:

Feeling: depressed, sad, anxious, or bored

Energy: low energy, feeling tired or fatigued

Sleep: under or oversleeping, frequent waking during the night

Thinking: slow thinking or poor concentration

Interest: loss of interest in hobbies, family, social life, or work

Value: low self-esteem

Aches: physical aches and pains with no physical basis e.g., chest/head/tummy pain associated with anxiety or stress.

Life: loss of interest in living, thinking about death, suicidal thoughts

What should I do if I think depression is a factor for me or my loved one?

The most important thing to do is speak to a doctor or mental health professional to get a correct diagnosis. There are many treatments for depression, and depending on the cause and severity of symptoms. A professional is best placed to inform you what options are available to you.

If you think you have symptoms of depression and want to get help, you can contact us by clicking the booking appointment, and we will help you find the right therapist.