What is Depression?

Whilst many people, worldwide experience Depression, very few truly understand what it is, how it works, or why we experience it.

Depression is a mood disorder that causes persistent feelings of sadness and loss of interest (generally for periods of weeks, months or years ). It is more than just feeling unhappy or fed up for a couple of days as a reaction to an experience - which is normal and, in fact, important.

Depression impacts our feelings, thoughts, and behaviours in various ways (these are different for each individual).

Some symptoms of Depression include:

- Continuous low mood or feelings of sadness - Feeling hopeless or helpless - Experiencing low self-esteem - Feeling tearful or Guilt ridden - Feeling irritable - Lacking motivation or interest - Feeling worried or anxious - Self-harming or having Suicidal thoughts - Changes in weight or appetite - Unexplained aches and pains - Lack of energy - Disturbed sleep

But what causes Depression ?

Unfortunately, there is not one, simple answer to this question. Depression can occur for various reasons, and the triggers for depression are different for everyone.

Sometimes Depression is caused by a stressful or upsetting live event (Or a combination of several events), for example; A Bereavement, Relationship break-up, or Illness.

There are also certain phenomena that can make us more susceptible to developing Depression, such as; Personality traits like having low self-esteem or being self-critical, Family history of Depression, Hormonal changes experienced by pre and post natal mothers, people who are transitioning, and those who are going through menopause, or Excessive consumption of Alcohol or Drugs.

The key thing to remember about Depression is that, no matter the cause of it, there are lots of healthy coping mechanisms and support sources available for you. - Therapy, Anti-depressant medication, Herbal anti-depressants, Self-Care, Talking to or being around people that care about you, Journaling, Exercise and many, many more.

Thanks for reading!

Best Wishes,

Sophie.