Physical signs can include:
- slowed movement and speech,
- change in appetite and weight (your weight can either decrease or increase),
- digestive complaints, such as indigestion, constipation or diarrhea,
- unexplained aches and pains,
- lack of energy,
- changes to the menstrual cycle (in women).
Social symptoms can include:
- not performing well at work,
- taking part in fewer social activities, and avoiding contact with friends,
- reduced hobbies and interests,
- difficulties in home and with family life.
Not everyone who is depressed has all of the symptoms listed and it is sometimes usual to feel some of these things from time to time. This is particularly true if you have recently suffered a loss and
especially if it is someone close. When these symptoms are experienced due to a loss or distressing event they should hopefully pass with time. Most people find it helpful to talk to somebody to try to help them identify and resolve their issues.
If these feelings are very strong or continue for a long period of time, then a depression may have developed. When this happens it is in your best interest to seek medical advice from your GP.
Once spoken to your GP, they may advise a talking treatment. This could be a psychiatrist, a counselor, community psychiatric nurse, psychologist or other mental health worker. It will usually take a little time before you begin to feel the benefits, but treatment of this kind can be very beneficial to people.
They may also advise antidepressant tablets which have been shown to be helpful for many people suffering from depression. Antidepressants react with the chemicals in the brain to make you feel less depressed. They are not addictive and once you begin to feel better which may take several months you can then speak to your doctor who may gradually adjust and reduce the dose.
Treatments that are used less often, but which can be helpful, especially in depression that is severe, of a specific type, or has proved difficult to treat include:
-
- special types of operation (psychosurgery)
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bright light therapy for .
Any form of depression can too affect family so if you think you may suffer from depression; see your GP as soon as possible.
Telephone numbers which may be of some use:
National Debt Line. Help for anyone in debt or concerned they may fall into debt.
Tel: 0645-500511 (local call rate).
Samaritans, Linkline (local rate) Tel: 0345 909090.
Confidential support for anyone in a crisis.
Family Link - a befriending scheme offering support and a practical approach to families with young children. Tel: 0191 232 3741.
CRUSE Bereavement Line - help line for bereaved people and those caring for bereaved people.
Tel: 0870 1671677
Association For Post Natal Illness - for women who are experiencing depression following the birth of their baby - 145, Dawes Road,
London, SW6 7EB.
Tel: 0207 3860868.
Some useful books which you may like to buy or borrow from your local library:
David Burns (1980). Feeling Good, The New Mood
Therapy. New American Library. New York.
Kathy Naime and Gerrilyn Smith (1994). Dealing with Depression.
The Women’s Press.
Dorothy Rowe (1993). Depression: The Way Out Of Your Prison. Routledge.
Paul Gilbert (1999).
Overcoming Depression.
Robinson Publishing.
