What is Depression?

***Warning: Contains mentions of suicide. If you, or someone you know, need immediate support please refer to our Help Now page.***

Depression affects as many as 17% of people in the UK. At the most simplistic level, depression can be described as a prolonged state of low mood, loss of motivation, and loss of enjoyment.

The Royal College of Psychiatrists offer several symptoms, whereby the presence of six or more of would support the diagnosis of depression. Symptoms include feeling unhappy, loss of enjoyment, not coping, feeling tired, restlessness, being irritable, loss of self-confidence, avoiding others, disturbed sleep, loss of sex drive, and thinking that it would be better to not be here (Claringbull, 2011). It is not uncommon for symptoms of depression to coexist with those of anxiety and, as such, for both diagnoses to be present.

If depression is imagined along a scale, at one end we would find low mood, at the other suicidal thinking.

Whilst most people experience negative thoughts or events it is in fact how they are processed that makes the difference (Beck. 1991). This is one of the underpinning principles of CBT. We will all process events differently depending on a number of factors, such as our beliefs and experiences.

There still exist a number of myths and misconceptions surrounding depression, lets take a look at some of the more common ones below;

Myth. People who are depressed are just feeling unhappy and need to cheer up.

Fact. Depression is far more than just feeling unhappy. Physical and mental symptoms can range from mild to severe and be long lasting if not treated. Depression can feel isolating and seeking support is an important part of recovery.

Myth. People can't be depressed if they don't have anything to be unhappy about.

Fact. Whilst life events may trigger periods of depression, it is entirely possible to be diagnosed with depression without any obvious cause. Depression, like all mental health conditions, does not discriminate. No one should be judged for experiencing a mental health condition.

Myth. Asking someone if they are thinking about harming themselves, or using the term suicide, will put the idea in their head.

Fact. There is no evidence that asking such questions gives people the idea of self harm or suicide. If you do find yourself in a position where someone tells you they are considering harming themselves please seek immediate support to keep them safe.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) was initially developed by Aaron Beck specifically to treat depression before being evolved to treat a number of other conditions such as anxiety, phobias, OCD, and panic disorder. It is this reason that CBT remains one of the most effective treatments for individuals experiencing depression.

References

BECK, A. (1991). Cognitive therapy and the emotional disorders. Penguin. London.

CLARINGBULL, N. (2011). Mental health in counselling and psychotherapy. Learning Matters. Exeter.