Depression Hurts
Depression becomes an illness, when symptoms are severe, last for several weeks, and begin to interfere with one's work and social life.
Depression can change the way a person thinks and behaves, and how
his/her body functions.
It is possible to overcome Depression with the right help!
Warning Signs of Depression
· feeling worthless, helpless or hopeless,
· sleeping more or less than usual,
· eating more or less than usual,
· having difficulty concentrating or making decisions,
· loss of interest in taking part in activities,
· avoiding other people,
· overwhelming feelings of sadness or grief,
· feeling unreasonably guilty,
· loss of energy, feeling very tired,
· thoughts of death or suicide.
Causes of Depression
· There is no one cause of depression, neither is it fully understood.
Depression could be caused by:
· specific, distressing life events,
· Psychological factors, like a negative or pessimistic view of life.
· There may also be a genetic link since people with a family history of depression are more likely to experience it.
How long does it last?
· The depressed feelings we all experience after a serious loss or disappointment may last for a short or a long time.
· How long depends on the person, the severity of the loss, and the support available to help the person to cope with it.
· It rarely becomes permanent. Without professional treatment, it may end naturally after several weeks or months. With treatment, it may end much more quickly.
How is it treated?
· Depression is the most treatable psychological illness
· Counselling
· In some cases, medication is needed
Challenges
· Many people who are seriously depressed wait too long to get help or they may not seek help at all.
· They may not realize that they have a treatable illness, or they may be concerned about getting help because of the negative attitudes held by society towards this type of illness.
What can you do if someone has depression?
· Listen and offer support
· Let them know you care
· Ask them how you can help
· Find out about local self-help groups and attend a meeting with them.
· Try to be patient and non-judgemental
· Most of all, don't do it alone - get other people to provide help and support too.
*Source: http://ballenascounselling.weebly.com/depression.html
If you are depressed, speak to your counsellor for support and check out the following online resources:
Depression becomes an illness, when symptoms are severe, last for several weeks, and begin to interfere with one's work and social life.
Depression can change the way a person thinks and behaves, and how
his/her body functions.
It is possible to overcome Depression with the right help!
Warning Signs of Depression
· feeling worthless, helpless or hopeless,
· sleeping more or less than usual,
· eating more or less than usual,
· having difficulty concentrating or making decisions,
· loss of interest in taking part in activities,
· avoiding other people,
· overwhelming feelings of sadness or grief,
· feeling unreasonably guilty,
· loss of energy, feeling very tired,
· thoughts of death or suicide.
Causes of Depression
· There is no one cause of depression, neither is it fully understood.
Depression could be caused by:
· specific, distressing life events,
· Psychological factors, like a negative or pessimistic view of life.
· There may also be a genetic link since people with a family history of depression are more likely to experience it.
How long does it last?
· The depressed feelings we all experience after a serious loss or disappointment may last for a short or a long time.
· How long depends on the person, the severity of the loss, and the support available to help the person to cope with it.
· It rarely becomes permanent. Without professional treatment, it may end naturally after several weeks or months. With treatment, it may end much more quickly.
How is it treated?
· Depression is the most treatable psychological illness
· Counselling
· In some cases, medication is needed
Challenges
· Many people who are seriously depressed wait too long to get help or they may not seek help at all.
· They may not realize that they have a treatable illness, or they may be concerned about getting help because of the negative attitudes held by society towards this type of illness.
What can you do if someone has depression?
· Listen and offer support
· Let them know you care
· Ask them how you can help
· Find out about local self-help groups and attend a meeting with them.
· Try to be patient and non-judgemental
· Most of all, don't do it alone - get other people to provide help and support too.
*Source: http://ballenascounselling.weebly.com/depression.html
If you are depressed, speak to your counsellor for support and check out the following online resources: