Depression if often brushed off as low mood and can often be frowned up on by peers telling you to “pull yourself together” or “snap out of it”. However, depression is a genuine health condition that affects 1 in 4 people throughout their life.
Depression can be triggered at any time but can be managed through various ways such as medication or self control. Symptoms may vary depending on individuals, situations and even sometimes seasons of the year. Some symptoms are listed below
- Avoiding social situations
- Not wanting to get out of bed
- Eating more or less than normal
- Feeling hopeless
- Thoughts of self harm
- Feeling more tired than normal
- Feeling irritable and short tempered
Here is a link with a short survey on that may encourage patients to seek further help.
Overview – Clinical depression – NHS (www.nhs.uk) *please note this is not to diagnose patients and is there to use as a guide only*
Ways to help your depression
- Reducing alcohol intake
- Regular exercise
- Routine
- Been more active through day to day activities
- Keeping diaries to reflect on
- Facing fears (try not to avoid things often you find difficult)
- Talking – to peers, GPs, Mental health Practitioners, Mental health Charities
** Remember – its ok not to be ok **
Please refer back to the Mental Health page to find how you can speak out and help yourself by seeking help and advice from mental health professionals
