Depression becomes a problem when low mood dosn’t go away. It can go on and on and end up dominating our lives and we become increasingly depressed.
WHAT IS DEPRESSION?.
You may recognise some of these feelings,
Dislike or hate ourselves.
Think that we are useless or worthless.
Feel numb and empty.
Despair of things ever getting better.
Feel irritated with those around us.
Blame ourselves for all sorts of things and feel guilty.
Making even the smallest decisions seem impossible.
Appetite is affected.
Physical aches and pains.
Disrupted sleep patterns.
Smoke or drink more.
Thoughts of death and suicide.

The above are only some of the many symptoms.
UNDERSTANDING DEPRESSION.
There are various possible explanations of what causes depression. It is likely that the reasons for depression developing will vary from one person to another.
Sometimes the cause or trigger that sets of a depression will be obvious, for example, a bereavement, divorce or redundancy. Sometimes there may be no apparent reason.
People are affected to different degrees by depression. Some may be able to struggle on with their normal life in the face of a mild form of depression, although everything will require extra effort.
Depression can affect both men and women from childhood to old age, and from all walks of life.
Some of us will be overwhelmed by the feelings of hopelessness and despair, it can even seem as if the only way out is to kill ourselves.
GETTING HELP.
Often, trying to do things on your own is not enough, it may be helpful to talk things over with someone outside your immediate family and friends.
Your first contact should be with your family doctor for advice who may prescribe a course of antidepressant drugs, however, your doctor may wish to refer you to a psychiatrist, psychologist, counsellor or mental health team.
HELP YOURSELF, What you can do. People who are depressed sometimes withdraw from others and may then regard their growing isolation as a sign of their own worthlessness. Some things that may help,

Exercise, swimming or walking.
A hobby or enjoyable tasks around the house.
Give yourself a treat or do something that really interests you.
Act more confident than you really feel, even though it may feel false at first.
Set yourself a goal each day, start simple and work up.

There are several more self help ideas.
HELP BY PARTNERS AND FRIENDS.
Your role may be to encourage your friend or relative, this may take a lot of your time, but try to be patient. Someone who is depressed is already carrying a load of guilt, try not to criticise or blame them.

It is not easy to live with or be in regular contact with someone who is depressed and help them cope.
You will often feel helpless.
You may feel bewildered and resentful that this has happened to someone you care for.
You may feel annoyed with the person because you are at a loss as how to help.
This is a lot to bear on your own and you may need support and advice.
Talk to your doctor about your concerns.
Discuss your own feelings with relatives and friends.
You may want to make contact with a local support group for people in your situation.
THE FUTURE.
The help that you need is there for you. see below for some contacts, You will recover from depression.

Depression is often a painful and deeply distressing experience for those affected by it and for people close to them. Although at the time we can be completely overwhelmed by depression, we may come to see it later as a useful experience.



The information on this page has been taken from the booklet, “Talking about depression” published by, Health Scotland, www.healthscotland.com Edinburgh office, Woodburn House, Canaan Lane, Edinburgh. EH10 4SG.

Other topics in this series of free booklets are,
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
Anxiety.
Bereavement.
Eating Disorders.
Manic Depression.
Personality Disorders.
Phobias.
Post Natal Depression.
Schizophrenia.
Self Harm.
Stress.
You will find help from these useful places. www.thewellnessshop.co.uk
http://www.studentdepression.org/
http://glasgowsteps.com/
http://www.samaritans.org/
MIND. 0845 766 016 WWW.MIND.ORG.UK NHS24. 08454 24 24 24 WWW.NHS24.COM
Depression after bereavement. You may find that the non commercial website “Words Can Help” can assist you during the grieving period after bereavement. http://wordscanhelp.co.uk