Depression does not discriminate, and it can affect anyone, of any age, from any background. Sometimes, these feelings of low mood, helplessness, and sadness can seemingly come from nowhere, or they may be triggered by a specific life event.
When these feelings become significant and persistent enough that they prevent a person from living their day to day lives, they can no longer be brushed under the carpet, and they must be treated as a mental health condition in the same manner that you treat a physical health condition.
Depression - Signs and Symptoms
By learning about the signs and symptoms of depression, sufferers are empowered to seek help and access support, such as counselling. Depression can result in feelings of loneliness, emotional numbness and lack of connection. It can negatively affect how a person thinks and feels, leading to hopelessness and isolation. It may cause sleep disturbances, anti-social tendencies, and even suicidal thoughts. Those suffering from depression will find themselves in a position where their quality of life is severely affected; therefore, getting the right treatment and help is essential.
Whilst depression consists of a low mood, it can also contribute to physical ill health or the manifestation of physical symptoms. Digestive issues, a weakened immune system, and a change in heart rate or blood pressure can all follow. Feelings of depression can often be associated with changes in eating patterns and loss of libido, as well as excessive tobacco, drug, and alcohol intake.
Support for Depression
Counselling and other talk therapies are proven to help, using robust evidence-based approaches. The role of the counsellor or the psychotherapist is to build a rapport with each client, based on trust, empathy, and understanding, allowing them to treat the client by seeing the world through their eyes and then helping them to help themselves. They can work with a client to identify the thought processes or negative responses that lead to episodes of depression. They can also help a client to gain a better understanding of the issues that are impacting their enjoyment of life, whilst teaching the client the importance of self-care.
The sooner a professional is enlisted to help with depression, the better the chances are of making a full recovery. Whilst it may be the hardest step to make, reaching out for help is also the first step to feeling well again. Depression can feel like a lonely and isolated place, but with people in place to help, there is no longer the need to face the future alone. There are a wide range of treatment options, medications, and lifestyle changes that can be implemented, including self-care strategies. With the guided help of a professional, someone suffering from depression can be empowered to self-reflect and make long-term positive changes that will serve to improve their quality of life.