Depression
Depression
Depression is a mental health condition with a range of symptoms that can affect how you think and feel. For example, you may feel low or lose interest or enjoyment in things.
Symptoms can range from mild to severe, and how much depression affects your daily life depends on how severe it is.
It's not always easy to notice the symptoms right away, as depression can start and develop slowly.
Many people don't realise they're unwell and try to carry on and manage their symptoms. Sometimes it takes a friend or family member to notice that something isn't right.
Common Symptoms
Symptom information is not available for this condition yet.
⚠️ This symptom list is for educational purposes. Having these symptoms does not mean you have this condition. See a doctor for proper diagnosis.
Medicines Commonly Used
⚠️ These medicines are commonly used for confirmed diagnoses of this condition. This is NOT a recommendation or prescription. Treatment must be determined by your doctor.
No medicines have been linked to this condition yet.
Causes
What causes depression?
There isn't a single cause of depression. It can develop for many different reasons, and sometimes it appears with no obvious cause at all.
Life events
Some people develop depression after going through a stressful life event. For example:
- the death of a loved one
- divorce or the end of a relationship
- relationship problems
- illness or a physical health problem
- money worries
- job loss
Other causes of depression
Other things that can increase your risk of depression include:
- drug use
- alcohol
- family history of depression
- your way of thinking, for example, if you dwell on a negative event over and over
- having a baby, as many parents experience postnatal depression after childbirth
- negative childhood experiences, like neglect or abuse
- having another mental health problem, like anxiety, eating problems or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Diagnosis
Depression যদি আপনার মনে হয়, প্রথমেই আপনার GP practice-এর সাথে কথা বলা জরুরি। তারা আপনার স্বাস্থ্য এবং আপনি কেমন বোধ করছেন, সে সম্পর্কে কিছু প্রশ্ন করবেন।
GP-র সাথে কথা বলার সময় যতটা সম্ভব খোলাখুলিভাবে সবকিছু জানানো দরকার। এতে তাঁরা বুঝতে পারবেন আপনার সত্যিই depression আছে কিনা, আর থাকলে তার মাত্রা কতটা গুরুতর।
Treatment
There are several ways to treat depression, and the right one for you depends on how severe your symptoms are. It's common to need to try more than one treatment before you find what helps.
Talking therapies
Many talking therapies can help with depression, including:
- cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
- computerised CBT (CCBT)
- interpersonal therapy (IPT)
- psychodynamic psychotherapy
- counselling
Ask your doctor for more information on counselling and other therapies.
Medication
Your doctor may suggest medication, such as antidepressants, to treat your depression. This is more likely if your depression is moderate or severe.
You may need to try a few different antidepressants before you find the one that suits you. Some of the main types include:
- selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
- serotonin noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
- noradrenaline and specific serotonergic antidepressants (NASSAs)
- tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)
In some cases, lithium may be prescribed for depression, for instance if you've already tried different antidepressants without improvement.
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
ECT involves passing an electrical current through the brain. Before the treatment, you're given anaesthetic and medication to relax your muscles.
ECT is only used in certain situations, such as when depression is severe and other treatments haven't worked. Ask your doctor for more information on ECT.
St John's Wort
St John's Wort is a herbal remedy sold in pharmacies and health food shops. There is some evidence it can help with milder depression, but doctors don't recommend it.
It isn't suitable for everyone. Avoid it if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, or taking certain other medications, and be aware that it can interact with the contraceptive pill.
Complications
Living with depression
Depression can be difficult to deal with but there are ways you can look after yourself. For example, you should talk to people you trust about your depression.
You could also try something creative like art, poetry or writing a journal. This can help you to express how you’re feeling.
Further information on looking after your mental wellbeing
Depression self-help guide
Work through a self-help guide for depression that uses Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).
Supporting someone who has depression
If you you’re worried about someone close to you, try to:
- get professional help for them
- let them know they’re not alone and that you care about them
- offer support in finding solutions to their problems
If you’re close to someone with depression, their condition can also affect you. Your relationship, and family life in general, can be strained. You might not know what to do or how to help.
Talking about the situation can help. Finding a support group, or talking to other people in a similar situation, can make it easier to cope.
If the condition affects your relationship, you could contact a relationship counsellor. They can talk things through with both of you.
Depression and suicide
If you have suicidal thoughts or think about killing yourself, help and support is available.
Phone Samaritans on 116 123 for support. They are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can also visit the Samaritans website.
You can also speak to your GP, but you should do this as soon as possible.
Get help with suicidal thoughts
Don’t include personal information e.g. name, location or any personal health conditions.