Publications
Partners
Depression isn't the same as occasional sadness or “the blues”. Everyone feels down or low at some stage, but when these lows last for long periods of time and affect your day-to-day life and behaviour, you may have depression – a serious medical illness.
Depression can’t be wished away and it’s not possible to just “pull yourself together”. But with the right support and help, most people experience relief of symptoms, while 60% recover fully.
Depression is a disorder of the brain. The exact causes can be difficult to pinpoint, but brain chemistry, hormones, genetics and life events could play a role. Interestingly, women are affected twice as often as men.
Recognise the signs and symptoms
Depression affects different people differently. However, common symptoms include:
• Feeling sad or empty for longer periods than feeling content or happy
• Frequently tearful
• Feeling overwhelmed with life’s problems, and not able to cope
• Struggling to concentrate or make decisions
• Being easily irritated and more aggressive than usual
• Loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy
• Loss of energy, loss of motivation
• Feelings of worthlessness
• Difficulty sleeping, or sleeping more than usual
• Weight loss or gain
• Thoughts of death or suicide
Do you suspect that you might have depression? See your doctor as soon as you can. And seek help immediately if you think you may hurt yourself or attempt suicide.
Depression can’t be wished away and it’s not possible to just “pull yourself together”. But with the right support and help, most people experience relief of symptoms, while 60% recover fully.
Depression is a disorder of the brain. The exact causes can be difficult to pinpoint, but brain chemistry, hormones, genetics and life events could play a role. Interestingly, women are affected twice as often as men.
Recognise the signs and symptoms
Depression affects different people differently. However, common symptoms include:
• Feeling sad or empty for longer periods than feeling content or happy
• Frequently tearful
• Feeling overwhelmed with life’s problems, and not able to cope
• Struggling to concentrate or make decisions
• Being easily irritated and more aggressive than usual
• Loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy
• Loss of energy, loss of motivation
• Feelings of worthlessness
• Difficulty sleeping, or sleeping more than usual
• Weight loss or gain
• Thoughts of death or suicide
Do you suspect that you might have depression? See your doctor as soon as you can. And seek help immediately if you think you may hurt yourself or attempt suicide.
