Although people often say "I'm depressed" to mean these things, this would not clinically be called depression and is simply part of the normal ups and downs of life. Some people naturally experience frequent mood changes, while others have a relatively stable equilibrium.Similarly, if we suffer a major loss, we readily understand that it is normal to grieve. Although some of the emotions we feel when we are bereaved appear similar to depression, grieving is a natural and ultimately healing process.
Sometimes, though, past losses which were not fully mourned at the time may appear as depression much later. Put simply, the distinction between feeling "down" and being depressed is one of both degree and duration. Depression certainly includes a persistent low mood and loss of interest or pleasure in life - it also commonly involves:
- a change in eating, weight and/or sleep patterns
- lowered energy levels and a reduced level of physical activity
- difficulty with concentration
- feelings of worthlessness
- loss of interest, enthusiasm and enjoyment
- feeling irritable and short-tempered, or tearful
- being unable to continue as usual with work and interests, maybe because of feeling listless, they "cannot be bothered" or things feel pointless
- sometimes people feel that it just not worth going on, or think about suicide.
Please note that we may feel some of the above for reasons other than depression, or even several together for a brief while, without this being of major concern. Someone who is depressed will experience a number of these changes persisting for quite some while.
Nonetheless, depression is very common - it affects people of all ages and backgrounds and is one of the most common reasons for people seeking help from counsellors or GPs.
http://www.survivormatters.co.nr/
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