People with depression experience certain feelings, thoughts, and behaviours. Feelings include low mood, sadness, anger, depression and guilt.

 

Behaviours linked to depression include:

 

• Lack of energy

• Sleep problems
• Early wakening
• Negativity
• Low motivation
• Loss of appetite
• Social withdrawal
• Poor concentration

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We all experience moments where we feel low but try to ‘power on’ in our own way. However, when negative thoughts and feelings repeatedly interfere with daily life, it could be a sign of depression.

 

Left untreated, ongoing depressive thoughts can lead us into a cycle of negative thinking:

• Low self-esteem

• Lack of self- belief

• Suicidal feelings

 

Although talking may be the last thing you want to do, reaching out to someone you trust can really help.

 

You may be masking depressive symptoms which can be invisible to others.  So, when asked how you are, responses such as “I’m fine” may be the stock answer.

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If you had broken your leg, your support network would automatically kick in. It is so much easier to accept support when it relates to physical pain, but we must allow for the same when our challenges are related to our mental health.

 

There are many factors that may have an impact on depression:​

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• Hormone changes
• Genetic inheritance - with depression in families, there may be predisposal to depressive symptoms
• Environmental factors including trauma, poverty and loss

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Remember: unburdening yourself to another is positive. Going at it alone and isolating yourself can keep you in that negative loop and can prevent you from living your life.

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If you think counselling could support you, click on the link below to schedule a free 20-minute consultation with me. You can also read more about my areas of expertise by scrolling down and browsing the links.