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What is Depression?
Depression is a very common and debilitating complaint, characterised by low mood, feelings of sadness, despair, low self-worth, and lack of motivation and energy. It can often interfere with sleep and the the ability to concentrate, which can adversely affect work, study and social life. Depression is a psychological condition, which means it is largely caused by the way a person thinks about themselves or their life. It is 
important to realise that for many of the depressive disorders, there is actually nothing physically wrong. It affects people of all genders, ages, and backgrounds. It is estimated that between 8-12% of the population will experience depression at some point in their lives. In Britain mixed anxiety and depression is one of the most common mental health disorders, with almost 9% of people meeting criteria for diagnosis.
Thankfully it is finally being talked about with much more compassion and understanding. Often it is not easy for the depressed person to just ‘pull themselves together’ without some external help. Without any form of treatment the symptoms can go on for many months or even years.
Symptoms of depression?
A few of the common symptoms:
- Persistent Sadness
- Pessimism
- A feeling of worthlessness
- Sense of helplessness
- Lack of interest in activities you once enjoyed
- Decreased energy
- Feeling fatigued
- Poor concentration
- Difficulty in remembering things
- Sleep problems
- Difficulty making decisions
- Thoughts of death
- Feeling Suicidal
- Anxiousness
- ‘Empty’ mood
- Feeling of hopelessness
- Feelings of Guilt
- Change in appetite
- Restlessness
- Being easily annoyed
- Poor judgement
- Feeling defeated
What causes it?
It may be a consequence of a mixture of psychological, environmental, and genetic factors. It is frequently intertwined with physical ill-health, other mental-health issues, poverty, financial debt, lack of employment, alcohol or drug issues and relationship problems. Depressive disorders are a growing health problem and one of the least understood mental health issues.
Treatment?
Your doctor will usually resort to medication with anti-depressants. Although recent research now suggests that anti-depressants may have little or no effect on mild to moderate depression. As it is usually about how you think about your life and/or yourself , an obvious solution is to use a psychological approach such as psychotherapy, CBT or counselling which works directly with your thought processes, helping you to change how you think and feel about yourself and your life. One benefit of a psychological approach of course is that unlike medication the changes last long after you’ve finished the treatment.
About Nigel Magowan
Nigel is a qualified Solution Focused Integrative Psychotherapist, Counsellor, EMDR Therapist, Life Coach, a certified Neuro-linguistic programming Master Practitioner (NLP), and also a Clinical Hypnotherapist. He has run his private full-time Counselling Psychotherapy, NLP, EMDR, CBT, Life Coaching practice in Manchester since 2002. He frequently works with anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, and trauma. The Manchester City Centre practice is within quick and easy traveling distance of Didsbury, Withington, Fallowfield, Sale, Salford, Manchester City Centre, Stockport, Stretford, Altrincham, Bolton, Eccles, Gatley, Glossop, Knutsford, Macclesfield, Oldham, Rochdale, Preston, Urmston, Wilmslow, Worsley. For further information about his depression treatment in Manchester.
photo credit: madamepsychosis via photopin cc
For depression treatment in Manchester call 07463 542368.
