Depression - Spotting it and getting help.

The first step at receiving help is admitting that there may be a problem and that is a big step to overcome. In this article I aim to give you as much advice as I can.
Depression is defined as an illness when the feelings of hopelessness and despair persist and begin to interfere with a persons ability to function.

The word depression' can be summed up into two separate meanings;
1) A normal human emotion.
2) A mental health illness.

Statistics have shown that depression is more common in adolescents and younger children. About 5% of children and teens in the general population suffer from depression at any given point in time.
There are several things that make people fall into' depression. Some of the most common are;
Being under stress.
Experiencing a loss
Bullying
People who have attentional, learning, conduct or anxiety disorders.
Family violence.

Depression is classed as an internal stress state' to any outsider it may appear to represent a form of withdrawal or agitation. But each person faced with depression experiences the condition in a different way to anyone else.
Some people may experience few or many of the symptoms of depression listed below;

Frequent sadness, crying(for no reason)
Feeling hopeless(like life isn't worth living)
Persistent boredom; low levels of energy.
Social isolation, poor communication (lack of communication, avoiding people)
Low self esteem + guilt.
High sensitivity to rejection or failure.
Increased irritability/hostility/anger.
Difficulty with relationships.
Poor levels of concentration.
Bad performance (drop in grades at school).
Drug and alcohol abuse.
Expressions of suicide or self-destructive behavior.
Talking of or efforts to run away from home.
Loss of interest or pleasure in activities that used to be enjoyed (may include sex).
Loss or gain of appetite/weight gain or loss.
Restlessness and irritability.
Insomnia.

Whether you are experiencing one or all of the above symptoms a wide range of help services are available to you. The first thing that I would advise you to do is speak to your doctor who will most likely either prescribe anti-depressants(if you are 18 or over) or refer you to counseling.

Just remember you're not going through this alone. There's always someone willing to help.

Learn more about this author, Samantha Pearce.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about Experiencing Depression?
We want to hear your view. Write now!