Depression

WHAT IS DEPRESSION?

An illness that can develop quickly or gradually, and be brought on by life events and/or changes in body chemistry. It can strike anyone, and is curable.

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF DEPRESSION?

• sadness and feeling weepy
  
• numbness, lethargy and a loss of interest in things and activities you used to enjoy
  
• wanting to hide away from people, perhaps even by staying in bed
  
• constant tiredness and problems sleeping
• loss of appetite, or eating to excess for the comfort it may bring
  
• stress and frustration
  
• irritability and aggression
  
• feeling that you can not cope
  
• inability to see any glimmer of a ‘light at the end of the tunnel’
  
• asking yourself what the point of living is

WHO SHOULD YOU TURN TO FOR HELP?

If things are so bad that you don’t want to live anymore, then you must contact a doctor, the police, or the Samaritans (see our Useful Links pages).

Once a doctor diagnoses depression, some people may be prescribed medication, and a small minority of these may have to spend time in hospital or receive professional counselling. Others may be helped by talking their problems over with close friends, if they have them, or by using our services or those of other organisations.

Nevertheless, depression always hurts sufferers, and may also hurt those close to them, because they are unlikely to understand the illness and how it affects people.

SO HOW CAN WE HELP YOU?

That is why our members are helped when they share their problems with fellow sufferers, because they understand their feelings and can help them, in a non-professional way, to fight their illness.

WHAT ARE OUR MESSAGES TO YOU?

• it may prove to be hard going, but eventually most people can overcome their depression
  
• you may feel helpless, even hopeless, but you can help others by sharing
  
• please join us, so that we may help you “get better”
  
• recovered? Why not join us to give others the help of your story/experiences.

(Page updated: 29 March 2008)