Depression is a word commonly used to describe how a person is feeling, and one person’s description can be very different to another’s. Someone might say "I'm depressed" when they mean "I'm fed up”, while another person says “I’m depressed” and mean their world is so restricted they find it difficult to get out of bed in the mornings.

Ups and downs of life are common and normal; and most people recover quite quickly. With true depression, the low mood and other symptoms are experienced each day for at least two weeks.

Symptoms of Depression

Do you:

	Feel sad, blue or empty most of the time?
	No longer enjoy things that used to give you pleasure?
	Feel unusually restless or find it takes a lot of effort to move?
	Feel very low on energy most days?
	Feel worthless and prone to self blame?
	Sleep significantly more or less than usual?
	Have unexpected gains or decreases in either weight or appetite?
	Find it hard to concentrate, be decisive or think clearly?
	Have feelings of hopelessness?
	Have thoughts about dying or suicide?

If some of the above is true and you’re finding it hard to live life effectively, you are possibly suffering from depression.

Some people with depression have a variety of other symptoms which may include: nervousness, irritability, phobias, bodily aches and pains, difficulty maintaining healthy and happy relationships and a feeling of numbness.

If you suspect you might be depressed, you probably are. Forget the ‘stiff upper-lip’ thing – it’s very overrated! It doesn’t make sense to suffer needlessly, everyone deserves to feel happy. Take steps today to get the fun back in your life

What Causes Depression?

Loss is a major factor in triggering depression. A person may have lost a job, loved one or self-belief, and it’s normal to react to such events with sadness and low mood, but when such feelings persist it can lead to depression.

Depression can be triggered by stress, childbirth, a change of location, isolation or even achievement and success.

People who are – or close to someone who is - suffering from health problems eg cancer, heart disease, arthritis etc can become depressed.

Trauma can lead to depression; survivors of childhood abuse; loss of a parent through divorce; unresolved reaction to bereavement; shocking accidents and incidents etc.

Help with Depression: What can I do?

	If you are having recurrent thoughts of dying or committing suicide, you must insist on immediate, urgent treatment from your GP or local hospital.
	If you recognise what’s causing your depression, and, deep inside you know what to do, do it (eg change your job; be assertive with people who are taking advantage of you; connect with friends again etc).
	It sounds simple but are you eating a balanced diet, having enough rest and going out for walks or taking regular exercise? You’ll be surprised at what happens when you look after yourself.
	If you are too low in energy to be proactive, ask an understanding friend or relative to take you to the GP or they could make enquiries with me on your behalf.
	Don’t allow your lethargy or need for secrecy stop you from seeking treatment for depression. You deserve to be happier and to free to do the things you need or long to do. Contact me on 0161 710 2468 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it   and make an appointment as soon as you feel ready to be free of your depression.