Tips for Managing Depression

Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions affecting adults in Ireland. For some, the condition can interfere with their day-to-day life and ability to carry out basic tasks.

A key sign of depressive disorder is when an individual experiences a loss of interest in things they once enjoyed for two weeks or more. 

Common symptoms of depression include:

• Sleep problems

• Loss of appetite

• Lack of concentration

• Fatigue

• Issues of self-confidence or self-esteem

• Reoccurring thoughts of death or suicide

While having only one or two of the above symptoms may not be a cause for alarm, if you struggle with four or more symptoms on the list, you should consider seeking help from a mental health professional. 

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Six Warning Signs of Depression Everyone Should Know About

If you are concerned you may be suffering from depression, watch out for the following warning signs:

1- Unexplained Pain

Depression affects more than a person's mental health. It also harms a person's physical wellbeing; common warning symptoms of depression are the physical symptoms of unexplained pains and aches. Current studies on symptoms of depression have found that 69% of people who meet the criteria for a depression diagnosis first visit their doctors for unexplained aches and pains, such as bloating, joint and back pain. 

2- Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed

Depression can impede your enjoyment and take pleasure out of the things you love. Withdrawal or loss of interest from activities that you once looked forward to — socialising with friends, sports, or hobbies is another sign of depression.

3- Too Little or Too Much Sleep

Another sign of depression is not getting enough or too much sleep. It is vital to note that sleep disorders like insomnia do not cause depression. However, sleep issues can significantly affect our mood fluctuations and emotional regulation.

4- Changes in Appetite and Weight

Appetite and weight typically fluctuate for people with depression. This experience is different from person to person. Some people will have an increased appetite and gain weight, while others will not feel hungry and lose weight. One indication of whether diet changes are related to depression is if they are intentional or not. If they are not, it may mean that these changes are caused by depression.

5- Hopeless Outlook 

Depression is a mood disorder that affects how you feel about life. Having a hopeless outlook on your life is the most common symptom of depression. Other feelings may be inappropriate guilt, self-criticism, or worthlessness. Common reoccurring thoughts of depression may be vocalised as 'Why bother?', "It's all my fault" or "What's the point?".

6- Moodiness and Irritability

Being snappy from time to time does not mean we are depressed. However, heightened, extreme, or unexplained irritability is another sign of possible depression. Suppose little things set off a person or the person gets agitated more often than usual. In that case, the person may suffer from depression. A person's irritability and moodiness can lead to self-harm, suicidal thoughts, or the desire to cause harm to another person. If a person experiences any of those feelings, they should get immediate help from a health professional. If a person is in immediate danger, one should always call 911.

Our caring and qualified therapists are here to help!
When depression symptoms last for two weeks or longer, you should seek the support of a mental health practitioner. This support could be from a psychotherapist, a doctor, or mental health counsellor.
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