What is Depression?

Depression is more than just feeling “low”, being “down in the dumps” or “having the blues” – it’s a serious illness.

Everyone feels sad, moody or low from time to time. However, some people experience these feelings intensely, for long periods of time and sometimes without reason.

People with depression find it hard to function every day. They may be reluctant to participate in activities they once enjoyed, or withdraw from friends and family.

Depression is one of the most common of all mental health problems. According to the World Health Organisation, one in five people experience depression at some stage of their lives.

Some of the symptoms of depression may include:

• Increased irritability and frustration
• Out of character moodiness and/or teariness
• Increased sensitivity to minor personal criticisms
• Withdrawal from friends and family
• Loss of interest in pleasurable activities
• Absenteeism from work or school
• Wakefulness and insomnia
• Decreased libido
• Increased drug and/or alcohol use
• Slowed thoughts and actions

How can counselling help?

Counselling can help people to recover from depression and prevent future occurrences. It can help identify unhelpful thought patterns that make people vulnerable to depression, and assist in finding new ways of coping with life. Most people recover well from depression and find that life can improve once different coping strategies are learned and put in place.