2011-08-17

Depression is part of life. Don’t feel like you’re alone!

The UK’s leading mental health charity ‘Mind’ is a wonderful resource for information and guidance on mental health issues. It helpfully lists the most commonly accepted symptoms of depression and suggests that if you tick off more then five then it is highly likely you are depressed. When reading through the list the realisation dawns that we have all suffered from these symptoms at one time or another. There is no reason for anxiety if you do tick off more then the 5 symptoms as advised by ‘Mind’. There is a lot of help and support available.

What is depression?

Most people have been depressed at some point or another in their lives. The old saying of ‘the wheel always turns'is a cliché, but true. There are times when it seems that the whole world is against you and nothing you do turns out right. Don’t feel bad or embarrassed about it – it happens to us all. The trick becomes knowing when you need to ask for help.

For the majority of the time, feelings of depression are easily dispelled by spending time with people who positively affirm your life and actions. Friends and family are the most common ways to alleviate anxiety and low spirits. We all need a hug and assurance from the people we love and who love us. If though, you do not have friends or family that provide these assurances then you do need to do something about it. This is easier said then done but not impossible to achieve.

What can I do?

There has been a drive throughout the mental health sector to attract more doctors and mental health specialists. Doctor and nurse jobs are advertised on a regular basis, not because there aren’t enough skilled people already working in the sector, but because mental health is one of the biggest issues in medicine in the UK and needs continual support. If you do not feel comfortable or able to talk to a friend or family member then the first thing you should do is find someone you can talk to. If you can handle it then your GP should be the first port of call. They listen without judging and will refer you to a specialist if required. They will also provide good advice on the ways you can help your self to come out of your depression. If necessary they may prescribe medication to help, but most of the time they prefer to listen and provide advice.

Who else can help?

Charities like ‘Mind'can help as well. There are many resources on the website to help people out and they provide confidential advice on their helpline. Sometime it is easier to talk to a stranger about your problems then it is to someone you know. It sounds embarrassing and may even make you feel more depressed! Don’t worry – that’s normal! The important thing is to take the first steps to help your self. People will help you.

What if I don’t want to ask for help?

No one likes admitting they need help. As human beings it is one of the most difficult things we have had to overcome over the years. But think about it this way. If you had asked for help with something you were working on that you knew would take half the time to sort out with another pair of hands, think about how much easier it would have been? At the end of the day we all need help, and if we learn to ask each other, we will all be better off.

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