What is it?
Depression seems to have become a post-modern epidemic. After all, people born after 1945 are 10 times more likely to be diagnosed with depression than those born 50 years earlier. And yes I know this could be because GPs are more knowledgeable, lifestyle choices, the political climate, changes in diet, global warming… But, if 2 out of 3 people (including children and young people) are set to suffer from a depressive episode at least once in their life it’s here and it’s clearly going to be with human kind for while at least. Typical symptoms of depression are:
- Persistent low mood, with or without tears
- Loss of interest in activities that were otherwise enjoyed
- Fatigue and low energy
- A change in sleeping patterns- such as over sleeping or insomnia
- Loss or gain in appetite
- A feeling of hopelessness
- Suicidal ideation
These affects are sustained usually for a minimum of 2 weeks before a conclusion of depression is given.
Why does it develop?
My belief is life events, current or past and an individual’s physiological blue print will influence their susceptibility to depression. What I’m saying is it isn’t a case of nature or nurture it’s all about nature and nurture. One affects the other. Recent studies demonstrate how the process of parenting can impact on a baby’s brain and goes onto suggest if this process is a positive experience for the child it can increase their natural protection against emotional ill-health even if mental illness is part of a familial history. On the flip side to this if bad parenting consummates and/or a child has consistent distressing experiences their brain development is limited, making them more prone to de-regulated moods. Please note I’m not saying everything negative that happens to us is down to bad parenting what I am saying is our experience growing up will shape our reactions to life events.
How can it be helped?
When it comes to depression there are some options: medication, self help and therapy. In my experience all of these interventions are helpful.
What can I do to help myself?
Firstly depression is fantastic at quashing any kind of drive to get better hence making it difficult to move away from its vicious circle… But keep in mind motivation follows action. Basically the more you help yourself the more you’re motivation to self help will grow. I encourage anyone who suffers with depression to seek help either from a therapist or GP and recommend the following guidelines are used as part of a package of care.
- Sort out your sleep – depression can often cause people to oversleep and develop poor sleep hygiene like reverse sleeping patterns train yourself to sleep better by going to bed at night getting up before 9am and no cat napping
- Watch what you eat – a healthy body will influence the mind and the benefits of a good diet on mental health are widely recognized
- Read up on depression become an expert so you begin to feel more in control
- Research how other people have dealt with depression to instil some hope that this condition is time limited and recoverable
- Do one thing a day that gives you a sense of achievement
- Do one thing a day that involves others
- Do one thing a day you enjoy
- Keep a diary rating your day 1-10, 1 being low mood, 10 being elevated mood. If you’re not 1 notice why? Question what’s placed you at that number focussing on why you are there as opposed to why you’re not a higher number
- Join a self help group or self help forum online. Make contact with others to find out what’s helped them.
- If you feel you can’t cope talk to someone in confidence don’t suffer alone. Visit your GP or book an appointment to see a therapist.
To book an appointment with a Stockport counsellor or if you want psychotherapy in Stockport contact me on:
07908710526 or geraldine@stockportpsychotherapy.co.uk
