What is it : Depression and Low Mood
Depression is not simply feeling fed up for a few days. Everyone feels down at points. It is human. Depression is persistent and very real. Feelings last for weeks or months and can arrive unexpectedly.
Depression is not a sign of weakness. Well meaning suggestions to push through it, snap out of it or pull yourself together mean nothing or can cause more harm.
Common Signs : Depression and Low Mood
Identifying the cause of the issue often helps. These may include:
- Negative life events such – family problems, divorce or changes at work
- Loss – how successfully you come to terms with your loss (not always bereavement)
- Trauma and abuse, or lack of preparation for adult life
- Life threatening conditions such as cancer and heart disease
- Long term suppressed anger
- Loneliness, stress, physical exhaustion or disability
- Physical illness affecting your energy, hormones or physical freedom
- Poor coping strategies (alcohol/drugs/work/online use)
Tackling it : Depression and Low Mood
Depression differs from person to person. Sometimes the source is clear, other times it can be a master in disguise.
People often struggle for the words to describe it but the feeling applies itself to everything you look at. It is important to understand that. Being told to snap out of it is not helpful.
The good news is that with the right support and combination of environment, habit forming and connection, depression can be dismantled and most clients can fully recover.