Understanding depression
Depression is a disturbance in mood characterised by varying degrees of sadness, disappointment, loneliness, hopelessness, self-doubt and guilt. Most people tend to feel depressed at one time or another, but some people may experience these feelings more frequently or with deeper, more lasting effects. In some cases depression can last for months or even years.The most common type of depression is what is referred to as “feeling blue” or “being in a bad mood”. These feelings are usually brief in duration and have minimal or slight effects on normal, every day activities.
In the next level of depression, symptoms become more intense and last for a longer period of time. Daily activities may become more difficult…but the individual is still able to cope with them. It is at this level, however, that feelings of hopelessness can occur.
A person experiencing severe depression may experience extreme fluctuations in moods or even a desire for complete withdrawal from daily routine and/or the outside world.
Symptoms of Depression
Depression may affect one’s life in any of the following ways:Change in Feelings and/or Perceptions
- Crying spells or, at the other extreme, lack of emotional responsiveness
- Inability to find pleasure in anything
- Feelings of hopelessness and/or worthlessness
- Loss of sexual desire
- Loss of warm feelings toward family or friends
Changes in behaviour and Attitudes
- Lack of interest in prior activities and withdrawal from others
- Neglect of responsibilities
- Irritability, complaints about matters previously taken in stride
- Dissatisfaction about read more
