Depression

“There is hope, even when your brain tells you there isn’t.”

— John Green

Depression is one of the most common illnesses in the world, and affects roughly 121 million people worldwide.

In some parts of the world, especially the developing world, it is largely undiagnosed whereas in others it is both over-diagnosed and over-medicated. Depression can be very debilitating and can affect both the mind and the body. It affects a human being’s ability to cope with everyday life and his ability to process his thinking. Depression can be mild, moderate or severe, and can be associated with or without psychosis. 

Symptoms of depression have to have been present during the same two week period and occur for most of the day. There are different kinds of depression. These include Atypical depression, Mild depression, Moderate depression, Severe depression, recurrent depression.

Symptoms include:

• Low mood

• Loss of interest or pleasure

• Loss of appetite

• Loss of weight (when not dieting)

• Poor sleep

• Feelings of restlessness or being slowed down

• Increased irritability

• Loss of energy

• Excessive tiredness

• Low self esteem

• Feeling of worthlessness

• Excessive or inappropriate guilt

• Decreased concentration and ability to think

• Indecisiveness

• Hopelessness

• Loss of libido

• Recurrent thoughts of death

• Recurrent suicidal ideation and possible suicide attempts

Depression can occur in episodes and can therefore be recurrent. It can be triggered by many things, including major life events, genetic inheritance, physical illnesses, various kinds of drugs (legal or illegal), alcohol and chemical imbalance to name a few.

Depression is often seen alongside other mental health conditions that we support at Freo Wellbeing and we are here to support you with a holistic approach. If you think you may be depressed, and that you have other underlying issues alongside depression then you may wish to explore these areas: