Depression is a complex mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It’s a real illness with real symptoms. This brief guide aims to help you understand the various symptoms of depression and how it affects people, as well as ways we can support those struggling with the condition.
Depression can often come on gradually, so it can be difficult to notice something is wrong. Many people try to cope with their symptoms without realising they’re unwell. It can sometimes take a friend or family member to suggest something is wrong.
What is Depression?
Depression is a mood disorder characterised by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness and a lack of interest or pleasure in daily activities. Unlike occasional sadness or grief, which we all experience at some time or another, depression can significantly interfere with a person’s ability to function and enjoy life, over weeks, months or even years.
Common Symptoms of Depression
Depression manifests in various ways, and its symptoms can vary from person to person. Here are some common signs to look out for:
- Persistent sadness or low mood: Feeling sad, empty or tearful most of the day, nearly every day.
- Loss of interest or pleasure: Losing interest in activities that were once enjoyable, such as hobbies or socialising with family and friends.
- Changes in appetite/weight: Significant weight loss or gain, or a decrease or increase in appetite.
- Sleep disturbances: Difficulty sleeping, waking up early or oversleeping.
- Fatigue and lack of energy: Feeling tired and drained despite adequate rest.
- Difficulty concentrating: Trouble focusing on tasks, making decisions or remembering things.
- Negative feelings: Feeling guilt-ridden, worthless, irritable, hopeless or helpless.
- Restlessness or slowed movements: Physical agitation, or a slowing down in movements and speech.
- Physical symptoms: Unexplained aches and pains, headaches or digestive issues.
- 10. Feeling anxious/worried: Many people who have depression also have symptoms of anxiety.
- 11. Thoughts of death or suicide: Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide, or self-harming behaviours / suicide attempts.
Causes and Risk Factors
Depression can occur for a variety of reasons and it has many different triggers. Different causes can often combine – for example, you may feel low after being ill and then experience a traumatic event, such as a bereavement, which brings on depression.
1. Genetics: It is thought that a family history of depression can increase the risk of a person becoming depressed.
2. Biological factors: Imbalances in brain chemicals or hormonal changes (e.g. caused by pregnancy or the menopause).
3. Social isolation: Feelings of loneliness.
4. Stressful life events: Traumatic experiences or abuse, or major life changes (e.g. bereavement, separation, divorce, redundancy, accident, illness).
5. Psychological factors: Personality traits such as low self-esteem, being overly self-critical or having a pessimistic outlook.
6. Medical conditions: Chronic illnesses, certain medications or substance abuse (e.g. using alcohol or drugs).
How depression affects daily life
Depression can have an impact on various aspects of a person’s life, including:
- Work and productivity – Decreased motivation, absenteeism and reduced performance at work or school.
- Relationships – Strained relationships with family and friends, social withdrawal and difficulty communicating with others.
- Physical health – Increased risk of chronic diseases and unhealthy lifestyle choices (e.g. poor diet, lack of exercise, use of alcohol or drugs).
The Importance of Early Detection
Early detection of depression can be crucial for effective treatment and better outcomes. Recognising the signs early can lead to:
- Timely intervention
○ Prompt treatment can prevent symptoms from worsening. - Improved quality of life
○ Effective management can help people regain control over their lives. - Reduced risk of complications
○ Early treatment can help to prevent poor outcomes such as substance abuse or suicidal behaviours.
How to support someone with depression
Supporting a loved one with depression can make a significant difference to their recovery. Here are some ways to provide support:
- Educate yourself: Learn about depression to understand what your loved one is going through.
- Listen and validate: Offer a non-judgmental ear and acknowledge their feelings.
- Encourage professional help: Suggest seeking help from a mental health professional such as a therapist, counsellor, psychologist or psychiatrist. Your personal GESY doctor can put you in touch with a psychologist.
- Offer practical help: Assist with daily tasks, accompany them to appointments and encourage healthy lifestyle choices (e.g. diet, exercise).
- Be patient and compassionate: Understand that recovery takes time and be patient with their progress.
Treatment Options For Depression
Various treatment options are available for depression, and a combination of treatments is often the most effective.
- Psychotherapy – Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy (IPT) and other forms of talking therapy.
- Medication – Antidepressants and other medications.
- Lifestyle changes – Regular exercise, a healthy diet, adequate sleep and stress management techniques.
- Support groups – Joining a support group to connect with others facing similar challenges.
- Alternative therapies – Mindfulness, meditation, acupuncture and other complementary therapies.
Coping Strategies for People with Depression
Here are some self-help strategies for individuals dealing with depression:
- Stay connected: Maintain social contact with friends and family.
- Set realistic goals: Break tasks into smaller steps and set achievable goals.
- Engage in activities: Participate in activities that make you happy and give you a sense of achievement.
- Practise mindfulness: Mindfulness and meditation can help with managing negative thoughts.
- Seek professional help: Don’t hesitate to reach out to mental health professionals.
Myths and misconceptions about depression
There are many myths and misconceptions about depression that can hinder understanding and support. Here are some common ones:
- Myth: Depression is a sign of weakness
Fact: Depression is a medical condition and not a sign of personal weakness. - Myth: You can just ‘snap out of it’
Fact: Depression requires proper treatment – it is very difficult to overcome it by willpower alone. - Myth: Depression only affects women
Fact: Depression affects people of all genders, ages and backgrounds. - Myth: Talking about depression makes it worse
Fact: Open conversations about depression can lead to better understanding and support.
Conclusion
Recognising and understanding the signs of depression is the first step toward helping those affected by this condition. By educating ourselves, offering support and encouraging professional help, we can make a positive difference to the lives of those struggling with depression. Early detection and intervention can be crucial for effective treatment and a better quality of life.
What Cyprus Samaritans Offers
Cyprus Samaritans provide confidential emotional support with the help of trained listening volunteers. These volunteers are there to listen, not to judge or give advice. People can reach out for support through freephone centers in Paphos, Nicosia, Limassol, and Larnaca, either by phone or in person.
The Samaritans are there to offer comfort to those who feel lonely, stressed, or overwhelmed. They help people talk about their feelings and concerns. If someone needs more professional help, the Samaritans can direct them to the right services in Cyprus either by providing information about government-run services or by guiding them to NGOs that will be able to help.
The Samaritans help in many ways but are not medical professionals.
We always suggest that you contact your personal doctor for help, who can be a psychologist or psychiatrist.