What is Depression?

Depression involves having a low mood or losing interest and enjoyment in things. It can also cause a range of other changes to how you feel or behave.
The symptoms you experience may vary. How intense they are, how long they last, and how much they affect your daily life can also vary.
You may still be able to carry on with your daily life. But things may feel harder and less worthwhile, or you might find day-to-day life much more difficult.

You may feel.     
          - Down, upset, or tearful
          - Restless, agitated, or irritable
          - Guilty, worthless, and down on yourself
          - Empty and numb
          - Isolated and unable to relate to other people.
          - Finding no pleasure in life or things you usually enjoy
          - Angry or frustrated over minor things.
         - A sense of unreality
         - No self-confidence or self-esteem
         - Hopeless and despairing
         - Feeling tired all the time

How you might act
         • Avoiding social events and activities you usually enjoy
         • Self-harming or suicidal behaviour
         • Difficulty speaking, thinking clearly, or making decisions.
         • Difficulty remembering or concentrating on things.
         • Using more tobacco, alcohol, or other drugs than usual
         • Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much.
         • No appetite and losing weight or eating more than usual and gaining weight.
         • Physical aches and pains with no obvious physical cause
         • Moving very slowly, or being restless and agitated

Some things that might help are-
         • Talking to someone you trust and/or speak to your GP.
         • Try Mindfulness
         • Try something new.
         • Do something creative.
         • Keep a mood diary.
         • Write a journal.
         • Make a self-care box.

 

 Some of these ideas may not feel helpful or possible right now. Try a few different things and see which works best for you.