Depression

Depression is quite different from the common experience of feeling miserable or fed-up for a while.

By the year 2020 depression is likely to be second after cardiovascular disease in the 'league table' of the world's most disabling diseases.¹ A recent report by Depression Alliance suggests that three quarters (75%) of all the people in England have experienced either depression or anxiety.² With numbers like this, it's unusual NOT to have had experience of anxiety or depression!

When we’re depressed we may have feelings of sadness or despair that can last a long time. These feelings interfere with our daily lives, and can last for many weeks or months.

Depression is a common condition, about 15% of people will have severe depression at some point in their lives. However the exact number of people with depression is hard to estimate because many people do not get help or are not diagnosed.

It's thought that women may be more likely to suffer from depression than men although this may be, in part, because men are less likely to seek help than women.

Depression can affect people of any age, including children. Studies have shown that 2% of teenagers in the UK are affected by depression.

What is depression?

Depression affects people in many different ways, and can cause a wide variety of physical, psychological and emotional symptoms. Many people become accustomed to, and live with, a long-term lowering of mood which drains pleasure from life. The very feelings of hopelessness that accompany depression prevent many people from seeking help - they ask themselves 'what's the point?'

When we start asking ourselves 'what's the point?' it's a good indicator that we may be depressed - after all, when we're not depressed, this is a question we very rarely ask ourselves. For some people, upsetting or stressful life events such as bereavement, divorce, illness, redundancy, and job or money worries can be the trigger. People with a family history of depression are more likely to get depression themselves.

Causes of depression

Studies have shown that different versions of a gene (known as 5-HTT) can be inherited, which can have an effect on a natural mood-changing chemical in our brains called serotonin. About 20% of people have the 'short' version of the 5-HTT gene, and it is these people who are more likely to develop depression after a stressful event. Children inherit the 5-HTT gene from their parents, so having a history of depression in the family can increase our risk of developing it. In other words, we may have a 'genetic predisposition' for depression. However, just because there is depression in our family doesn't necessarily mean we will get it. Also, many people with no genetic predisposition also become depressed.

Research has shown there to be a link between depression and an imbalance of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. People who are depressed have a lower level of certain types of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine than people who are not. It is not fully understood whether this imbalance is a result of depression or a cause of it.

There is rarely one single cause of depression - usually different causes combine to trigger the condition. For example, you may feel low after an illness and then experience a stressful life event, such as bereavement, which leads to depression. Sometimes we can identify no reasons at all.

People talk about a 'downward spiral' of events that can lead to depression. For example, if a person's relationship with their partner breaks down they are likely to feel low, they may stop seeing friends and family and they may start drinking more - all of which can make them feel even worse and trigger depression.

When we're depressed we often lose interest in things that we used to enjoy. In fact, the very things that used to make us happy can make us feel even worse when we're depressed.

Depression interferes with work and with our social and family life. One way of thinking about depression is in terms of it's psychological, physical and social symptoms.

Symptoms of depression

Psychological symptoms

• Continuous low mood or sadness
• Feelings of hopelessness and helplessness
• Low self-esteem
• Feeling tearful
• Feelings of guilt
• Feeling irritable and intolerant of others
• Lack of motivation to do anything and little interest in things
• Difficulty making decisions
• Lack of enjoyment in things
• Suicidal thoughts, or thoughts of harming someone else
• Feeling anxious or worried

Physical symptoms

• Slowed movement or speech
• Change in appetite or weight (usually decreased, sometimes increased)
• Constipation
• Vague, unexplained aches and pains
• Lack of energy or lack of interest in sex
• Changes to the menstrual cycle
• Disturbed sleep (for example, waking in the early hours of the morning)

Social symptoms

• Performing poorly at work
• Taking part in fewer social activities and avoiding contact with friends
• Lack of interest in hobbies and interests
• Difficulties in home and family life
• Withdrawing from friends and family

It's important to remember that depression can be very serious - for some people depression is a constant experience that drains joy from life. For others, it can stop them in their tracks and lead them to consider suicide. If you think you might be suffering from depression, please speak with your Doctor as soon as possible - many of the new antidepressants can help, as can talking with someone about how you feel.

It is important to understand that many factors other than depression or anxiety can cause some of the 'symptoms' listed above. Diagnoses can only be provided by appropriately trained health professionals. If you are concerned in any way about your symptoms, please consult with a trained professional.

Thanks for reading to the end,

all the very best to you

RMN MPhil BSc (Hons.)

Phone: 07092 238031 | Fax: 07902 163048 |

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