Understanding Depression: Types, Symptoms, and Treatments
What is Depression?
Depression is a persistent feeling of low mood that significantly affects everyday life.
Key points about depression:
- Mild Depression: Allows normal functioning but makes mundane tasks challenging.
- Severe Depression: Can lead to suicidal thoughts and is life-threatening.
Symptoms of Depression
Common symptoms of depression include:
- Feeling down, restless, or guilty.
- Isolation, low self-esteem, and hopelessness.
- Self-criticism and possibly self-harm.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Seasonal affective disorder is a form of depression linked to seasonal patterns:
- Most severe during late autumn and winter due to reduced daylight.
- Symptoms may improve or disappear in spring and summer.
- Common symptoms include low mood, loss of interest, and increased sleepiness.
Treatments for SAD
Effective treatments for SAD include:
- Lifestyle adjustments such as regular exercise and exposure to natural light.
- Light Therapy: Using special lamps to simulate sunlight exposure.
- Talking Therapies: Counselling or cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).
- Medications: Antidepressants may also be prescribed.
Postnatal Depression
Postnatal depression affects new parents:
- Occurs within weeks to two years after childbirth.
- Affects around one in ten mothers but can also impact fathers or partners.
- Signs include persistent low mood, difficulty bonding with the baby, and low self-esteem.
Seeking Help for Depression
Support for depression can be accessed through:
- Health visitors, GPs, and NHS 111 for immediate assistance.
- NCT new parent support and Association of Post-Natal Illness for specialised advice.
- Samaritans for confidential support, Rethink Mental Illness for comprehensive mental health support, and Cruse for bereavement-related depression.