Depression

Depression

It is normal to feel down or sad at times during your life. If you have had to cope with a stressful event you may need time to grieve, and feelings of sadness may last for some time. The term 'depression' is sometimes used to describe feelings of sadness. Depression is also the name for a group of illnesses, which affects the way someone feels and is characterised by a persistent lowering of mood.

When someone is depressed they may feel a range of things including:

• feeling hopeless or helpless
• losing interest in activities they usually enjoy
• a lack of energy
• changes in sleeping and eating patterns
• crying a lot or feeling agitated
• high use of alcohol or other drugs
• losing their temper
• withdrawing from the group
• headaches or stomach aches
• feeling empty
• feeling anxious.

Understanding depression

Sometimes people become depressed in response to something in particular, and sometimes depression can occur for no apparent reason. Some of the things that can trigger depression include:

• a history of depression within the family
• a stressful event or chain of events such as a family break-up, child abuse, ongoing bullying at school, rape, a death, a relationship break up, family conflict
• having a baby (postnatal depression).

Depression

People experiencing depression may have suicidal thoughts. If you feel like this, it is important that you seek help. A family member, teacher, doctor or psychologist may be a good first step.  

If you know someone is having suicidal thoughts, encourage them to seek help. Let them know that if you think they will hurt themselves then you will have to tell someone. If they are scared about telling someone else you can offer to go with them for support.

Getting help for depression

There are a number of things you can do to help you manage your depression. Try to remember that this may take time and there may be good days and not so good ones. For more information about some of the ways to help manage depression you may want to look at the fact sheet on Depression - management and treatment options.

Check out the Getting help section for support.