Depression What is depression Depression is a common

Depression

What is depression?

Depression is a common mental disorder that causes people to experience depressed mood, loss of interest…feelings of guilt or low self-worth, disturbed sleep or appetite, low energy, and poor concentration. Depression is different from feeling down or sad. A person suffering from depression will experience intense emotions of anxiety, hopelessness, negativity and helplessness, and the feelings stay with them instead of going away. http: //www. mentalhealth. org. uk/help-information/mental-health-a-z/D/depression/

Signs and symptoms Tiredness and loss of energy. Sadness that doesn’t go away. Loss of self-confidence and self-esteem. Difficulty concentrating. Not being able to enjoy things that are usually pleasurable or interesting. Feeling anxious all the time. Avoiding other people, sometimes even your close friends. Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. Sleeping problems - difficulties in getting off to sleep or waking up much earlier than usual. Very strong feelings of guilt or worthlessness. Finding it hard to function at work/college/school. Loss of appetite. Physical aches and pains. Thinking about suicide and death. Self-harm

Some Facts 1 in 4 people will experience some kind of mental health problem in the course of a year Mixed anxiety and depression is the most common mental disorder in Britain Self-harm statistics for the UK show one of the highest rates in Europe: 400 per 100, 000 population About 10% of children have a mental health problem at any one time http: //www. mentalhealth. org. uk/help-information/mental-health-statistics/

Celebrities with depression Oscar-winning actress Gwyneth suffered clinical depression following the death of her father in 2002. The star had regular therapy sessions to help come to terms with her loss - and says she's now learned to live in the moment. Gwyneth also suffered postnatal depression following the birth of her second baby, Moses, in 2006. Gwyneth says: ‘I didn't know what was wrong with me. I felt really out of my body. I felt really disconnected. I felt really down. I felt pessimistic. ' http: //www. allaboutyou. com

Celebrities with depression Jonathan Trott English Cricketer, left the Ashes series last year due to depression.

Celebrities with depression Owen Wilson His public persona is that of a laidback, fun-loving dude, but the world saw a darker side of the actor in 2007 when reports surfaced that he had attempted suicide at his California home. http: //www. health. com/health/gallery/0, , 20526304_4, 00. html

Coping with depression Be more active Socialising can improve your mood. Keeping in touch with friends and family means you have someone to talk to when you feel low. Take up some form of exercise. Face your fears Don’t avoid the things you find difficult. Have a routine When people feel down, they can get into poor sleep patterns, staying up late and sleeping during the day. Try to get up at your normal time and stick to your routine as much as possible. Have some ‘me time’ http: //www. nhs. uk/Conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/Pages/dealing-with-depression. aspx

Coping with depression If you suspect someone of having depression, talk to them. Ask if they are ok or if they would like to go somewhere. If they share something with you, don’t gossip. Be supportive.