Depression

Depression – What is it?

Depression can affect people differently depending on their age, gender or personality traits. Some people may find it hard to speak about feeling depressed and may focus on physical symptoms instead.

You may be depressed if, for more than two weeks, you have felt sad, down or miserable most of the time, or have lost interest or pleasure in usual activities, and have also experienced several of the signs and symptoms below.

It’s important to remember that we all experience some of these symptoms from time to time, and it may not necessarily mean you’re depressed. Equally, not everyone who is experiencing depression will have all of these symptoms.

Emotional symptoms of depression include:

  • Feeling sad, down
  • Feeling empty for most of the day, nearly every day
  • Becoming withdrawn from friends or family
  • Loss of interest or pleasure in normal activities
  • Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
  • Crying for seemingly without reason
  • Suicidal thoughts

Physical symptoms of depression include:

  • Low energy, fatigue and reduced activity
  • Sleeping difficulties or insomnia
  • Changes in appetite or weight
  • Increased sleep
  • Weight loss or weight gain
  • Trouble concentrating, making decisions and remembering things
  • Slowed body movements, thinking or speech
  • Restlessness, such as difficulty sitting still, pacing or handwringing
  • Diminished sex drive
  • Headaches
  • Feeling sick and run down
  • Digestive problems, churning gut

Symptoms of anxiety are also common in people with depression, as the two conditions often occur together.

If you feel you may be experiencing any of the above symptoms, you may be interested in visiting the Black Dog Institute for this handy checklist. You may also consider accessing you GP for a formal diagnosis as part of your healing journey –  https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/resources-support/digital-tools-apps/depression-self-test/

What causes depression?

Depression is not caused by a single factor and is often a combination of things. A family history of depression, personality traits, genetic makeup, physical health, stressful life experiences and drug/alcohol use can all contribute to the development of depression.