Depression affects approximately 1 in 4 people of the UK population. Many people suffer from depression but are unaware of the signs or may choose to ignore them in the hope that the feelings may pass.
It may also be a case of not wanting to accept a diagnosis of depression due to the stigma attached to it and the taking of antidepressants or it could be cultural reasons that are holding them back from acknowledging that they need help.
The longer that treatment is delayed, the more difficult it is for depression to be treated, with a higher chance of recurrence. It can also contribute to or worsen other medical conditions.
Here are some signs of depression that you may look out for and if you or someone close to you has experienced any of them for 2 weeks or longer it would be good to see your family doctor to discuss treatment.
- Loss of interest in activities that one used to enjoy, loss of libido and being in an extended state of irritable mood.
- Trouble remembering details or concentrating.
- Unexplained feelings of fatigue or lack of energy over an extended period of time. Fatigue that is brought about by depression is not associated with other causes such as an increase in physical activity or other conditions.
- Feelings of guilt, low self-esteem, worthlessness, and helplessness. When someone is depressed, these feelings occur nearly every day and can be severe enough to be delusional.
- Hopelessness and Pessimism.
- Oversleeping or insomnia.
- Restlessness.
- Loss of appetite or mindless comfort overeating.
- Aches and pains that won’t go away.
- Constant sad, anxious, or feelings of emptiness.
- Suicidal thoughts or attempts and self-harming. A person suffering from depression may have recurrent deliberations of suicide or attempt suicide.
If you are feeling suicidal please get help by going to your A&E Department at the hospital or call 999 or call NHS 111 (England) or NHS Direct 0845 46 47 (Wales)
You may call the Samaritans on freephone 116 123 if you don’t want to go to A&E but want to talk to someone, they are open 24 hours.
You may also contact your GP for an emergency appointment or call the out of hors team.
There is help and treatment available, do not suffer in silence.
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