What does depression feel like?

Depression can be different for every person however there are many similarities.
Some of the symptoms can be;

• A loss of a sense of future,
• A feeling of hopelessness,
• Poor concentration,
• Difficulty with sleeping (both too much or too little),
• Poor eating habits,
• Low in motivation,
• A sense of dread,
• Negative thoughts of self
• No decisions
• Fears and phobias
• Physically sick
• Loss of pleasure
• Weight loss or weight gain

Most of all however there can be a change in ones thinking from optimistic to pessimistic patterns of thought.

These patterns can become overgeneralised so that the pessimistic thought patterns invade all areas of ones life.
Thoughts typically go from

• Logical to illogical
• Rational to irrational
• Positive self to negative self
• Strong to helpless

Gonna Go Soon

I here
Locked away from all society
Away from the rushing,
Mind blowing, nothing
People,
Want to see people nod,
Agree, love all, but
Impossible.
Too much to expect
I will finish soon,
Be away from it all,
Forever.

L.W. 15 yrs

Common Myths

They can snap out of it ?wrong
They are unstable and incompetent ?wrong
They are not sick as there is nothing to see for it ?wrong
Someone must have caused the depression ?wrong
God is punishing them for something ?wrong

Depression over time (weeks) leads to

• poor decisions
• Isolation and loneliness
• No care for self
• Incredible sorrow and grief
• Inward and self obsessed thinking

How is Depression Treated?

The most effective treatment for depression is a combination of antidepressant medication, and cognitive behaviour therapy. However some people choose to talk though the difficulties with friends or their supportive relatives. It is important however that if the symptoms do not improve, that they seek professional help.

Therapy should be with a professional who is trained in cognitive behaviour therapy and counselling. Confidential counselling ensures that the person experiencing depressive symptoms has an environment, which is safe and free from judgement. This way the therapist and client are able to work together to challenge the patterns of thinking which characterise depression, as well as find solutions, which lead to a better understanding of self.

Depression can be caused by many situations. However in some instances there may be no particular event, which triggers the depression and merely a chemical imbalance in the neuro-transmitter substance, which transfers messages throughout the nervous system. When this occurs, medication is most effective.

Some of the simple steps to begin on your own are listed below:

• Be with people
• Listen to new ways of thinking
• Be creative - write, paint, draw, sing dance
• Exercise
• Seek professional help - doctor/ psychologist
• Have treats and self-care

'To my friend'

My friend came around today
She understands a part of me
She tolerates,
Even my depression
She listens to my mumbling
She knows the one I love
In a way she went through it with me.
Why?
Why do people bother with me?
All I have is myself to give]even that is a mess.

We have grown up quickly
We've both learned
From my mistakes?

Lea aged 16yrs.

If you feel that you have depression, it is good to seek help. A counsellor at alpha counselling services can help you through the difficulties, which you may experience because of depression. It is important to find a counsellor who you are happy with. Sometimes this may take time and you may find that you see more than one person before you feel happy with your match with the counsellor or therapist. At alpha we offer a range of therapists with different backgrounds and experiences. They are all fully qualified to help someone with depression.

We hope that you can find someone to help you here. All the best.

Lyn Worsley