Depression

Depression affects different people in different ways, and the symptoms range from mild to severe. You may only experience depression once during your life, but it’s typical to experience multiple episodes.

Symptoms may include:

• Loss of interest or pleasure in normal activities, such as hobbies or sex
• Feeling sad, hopeless, tearful or empty
• Anger and irritability
• Sleeping issues, for example insomnia or sleeping too much
• Lack of energy
• Difficulty concentrating and remembering things
• Changes in appetite or weight (usually reduced, but sometimes increased)
• Anxiety or restlessness
• Feeling worthless and preoccupied with past failures
• Having suicidal thoughts or self-harming
• Unexplained aches and pains
• Avoiding contact with family or friends

It’s unclear what exactly causes depression, but there are likely to be a variety of factors and triggers, such as:

• Family history: Studies have revealed that if you have a close family member with depression, you’re more likely to experience the condition yourself. Researchers are investigating whether there are any specific genes for depression.
• Stressful or traumatic events: Many life events and experiences, such as bereavement, relationship breakdown or financial problems, can lead to depression.
• Personality: You may be more at risk of depression if you have certain personality traits, for example low self-esteem or being too self-critical or pessimistic.
• Hormones: Changes in your body’s balance of hormones can trigger depression. These can occur during pregnancy or the weeks or months after birth, or because of thyroid problems, the menopause or other conditions.
• Other mental health problems: If you’ve experienced other mental health disorders, such as anxiety, PTSD or eating disorders, you may be at more risk of depression.
• Illness: Having a serious or chronic illness, such as cancer, may trigger depression.
• Alcohol and drugs: Alcohol and recreational drugs can both cause depression.

You should get help at the earliest signs of depression, to help prevent the problem from getting worse. But you can seek help at any stage.

As a registered neuro-linguistic psychotherapist and clinical hypnotherapist, I can help you identify and work through the issues that may be triggering your depression.

But if you feel you might attempt suicide, or you have seriously harmed yourself, you must seek help immediately. Call 999 for an ambulance or go straight to A&E.