What causes it?

Current views of depression state that there is an interaction between an individual's inherited characteristics and the effects of outside stress. Thus certain individuals may be more biologically prone to depression than others, but everyone under the right conditions is vulnerable to depression.

How common is it?

Depression is the most common mental health condition and gives rise to most disability. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) at any single point in time 1 in 15 men and 1 in 10 women will be experiencing an episode of depression.

What are the symptoms of depression?

Depression is a common word and we use it when we mean 'feeling low' or 'down', even when such feelings may be very short lived. To diagnose depression the various symptoms need to be weighed up – in their severity, effects on daily living and length of time present. Symptoms are there as a guideline and to be depressed it is not necessary to experience all the symptoms. The symptoms are:

• low mood
• You might find it hard to fill your spare time and stop enjoying usual free time activities
• feeling tired all the time and having no energy
• difficulty getting off to sleep or waking early in the morning
• feeling unable to get out of bed and face the world
• loss of appetite and interest in food
• weight change – due to decreased appetite or increased comfort eating
• loss of interest in sex
• difficulty in concentrating or being able to think straight
• feeling restless, tense or anxious
• being irritable
• losing self-confidence
• avoiding other people
• finding it harder than usual to make decisions
• you might feel you don't care about anything anymore
• thinking about suicide

Depression can be thought of in terms of a spectrum from mild, moderate to severe. The difference between these categories depends on how much an individual's depression affects their life. With mild depression, many individuals are able to carry on with their normal lives but may find it a struggle battling with long-term negative feelings such as lethargy and irritability. Moderate and severe depression makes it impossible to function in any normal sense of the word and could include suicidal feelings.

What you can do if you think you have depression:

Often depressed people are told by others or even themselves to 'pull yourself together' when really this is not possible. Thus consequently by not acknowledging depression as an illness sometimes seriously ill people do not get or seek the care they need and this is a recipe for prolonging bouts of depression. Therefore it is important you take action as soon as possible; here are some avenues you can take:

• Talking to a trusted friend is always a really good start. Try to explain your feelings as much as possible and discuss together what you could do to help.
• If you'd prefer to start by talking to a stranger or expert on the phone there are many help-lines that can talk your concerns through with you (see further information)
• Sometimes talking a counsellor can be easier if you find it hard to be open with friends. A counsellor will be good at being impartial. They won't judge you whatever you're feeling or say and may help you understand yourself and problems more.
• The doctor can offer you lots of advice on how to cope with your depression and suggest medication if needed. Although many people get over depression without needing drug therapy.
• Get an understanding of your illness and educate yourself through books etc

What other people can do to help you:

The most important thing your friends can do is ensuring you help and see a professional such as a doctor. If you are diagnosed as depressed then the most important thing is for your friends to offer emotional support, including being caring, understanding and patient. You'll still be you but just struggling with an illness. The best thing your friends can do is just be there if you need to talk and also encourage you to engage in pleasurable pursuits such as hobbies and sports. Although a balance is needed as a depressed person often needs company and diversion, although too many demands can increase feelings of failure.

Further information

Websites:

Depression Alliance: www.depressionalliance.org

Mind: www.mind.org.uk

Sane: www.sane.org.uk

Helplines:

Radio 1 One life action line – 0800 110 100 (won't show on your phone bill)

Samaritans – 08457 909090

Depression alliance – 020 7633 0557

Books:

Rutherford, D (2002) Depression. Hodder & Stroughton

Gilbert, P. (2000) Overcoming Depression. A self-help guide using Cognitive Behavioural techniques. Constable & Robertson.