The biggest myth in the community regarding depression is that it is something you need to beat yourself up over to be able to move forward, or that you just need to “get over it”. In truth, the exact opposite is required. You need care, understanding and the tools to move through and past depression.
Depression is a cluster of symptoms that define it as an illness on its own or it can be a side effect of other illnesses, including physical illnesses, or even medications.
Depression is signified by most of the following symptoms occurring most of the day, nearly every day:
- Depressed mood, worse in the morning
- Significant loss of interest
- Significant change in weight or appetite
- Insomnia or hypersomnia, often waking early morning
- Agitation or slowness, observed by others
- Fatigue or loss of energy
- Loss of libido
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
- Inability to concentrate
- Recurrent thoughts of death
What are the causes?
Depression can result from several factors. The following list provides an insight into the various factors:
- Experiencing loss
- Holding in anger
- Repeated conflicts with others
- Major changes occurring
- Relationship rejection
- Illness or disability
- Lack of sunshine
How is it maintained?
Research is showing that depression can disappear on its own within 9 months. So why do people experience it for longer or have it recur? The following diagram represents a model for how depression can be maintained:
