|
including
Everyone
feels sad, fed up or miserable sometimes. But for some people,
depression goes on for longer, and becomes so severe that
they find it hard to carry on with their normal lives.
People with diagnosable, 'clinical' depression may have symptoms
like loss of interest and motivation, anxiety, difficulty
concentrating, and feelings of worthlessness or guilt. There
can also be physical symptoms like insomnia and reduced or
increased appetite. People feel bleak, helpless and sometimes
suicidal.
Depression is common. Between 7 and 12% of men will
suffer diagnosable depression at some point in their lives;
for women the figure is as high as 20 to 25%. But depression
is treatable. People use a whole range of self-help techniques
and supportive networks, as well as professional help or medication,
to successfully manage depression.
Read liz's story
for her experience of depression.
Types of depression:
bipolar disorder (also known as manic
depression)
This is a condition where people have extreme
swings in mood - from very high (manic) to very low (depressed).
People
can experience this condition in different cycles. For some,
the manic symptoms are followed by symptoms of depression
in a recurring pattern. For others, the period of mania itself
is interspersed with severely depressive thoughts. Someone
experiencing a manic episode may be excited or elated, they
may not think clearly and may suffer from paranoia and become
reckless or have very grand ideas.
About one
in a hundred people will develop manic depression. With the
right support, people can monitor and manage this condition,
and there is a range of help available from professionals,
including community mental health teams.
Read james's story
for his experience of manic depression.
postnatal depression
It's fairly common for
women to be anxious or fearful for a few days after giving
birth. But for about one in ten women, these feelings
can last a lot longer and be more severe: this is called postnatal
depression, and it’s one of the most common complications
of childbirth.
The
most frequent symptoms are depression (feeling low and unhappy),
intense feelings of tiredness or irritation, and loss of appetite,
as well as a feeling of not being able to cope, or to meet
the new baby's needs. Once people have recognised
what's going on (often with help from their G.P.) there is
a lot that can be done to help a woman experiencing postnatal
depression, and her partner, until she recovers completely.
 |
check
out our links page for websites
and organisations offering more help and info. |
|
|
|
Information on www.mindout.net is provided
for general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for
the advice a health care professional. The
mind out for mental health campaign
is not liable for the contents of any external internet sites listed, nor does
it endorse any commercial product or service mentioned or advised on those sites.
Always consult your GP if you are concerned about your health.
|
