It is hard to log in to any sort of media this week without hearing about depression, and the sad death of Robin Williams. When someone famous succumbs to this illness there is often a flurry of commentary fueled by fear and sadness, and a commitment to start talking and acting more.
For this conversation to be meaningful, we need to understand what depression is so that we can recognise it in ourselves and others. It is also important to understand what basic strategies can be used to help yourselves or those you care about, and when to ask for help or seek professional treatment.
Depression is an illness, which is triggered by a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors. The experience of depression varies from person to person. While some people experience strong feelings of sadness and are frequently tearful, for others sadness may be less prominent. Other symptoms of depression can include a loss of interest or enjoyment in things that were once meaningful. People who are depressed often describe feeling empty or heavy, and have difficulty motivating them. Fatigue, irritability, and agitation make each day difficult to get through. Sleep and appetite can also both be affected by low mood, and people can either sleep or eat considerably more or less than usual. Alongside all of these symptoms, when depressed it is common to have a swirl of negative thoughts. The very symptoms of the illness can feed the inner critic’s voice and be used as ammunition with which to berate oneself. People who are depressed often describe a deep sense of being worthless, and the stigma or shame they direct at themselves can make recovery hard.
Perhaps the most dangerous symptom of depression is a sense of hopelessness that comes with the illness. To endure the suffering of depression, and to not believe that things can or will improve, can have devastating effects. Read More…