Depression has been called “the common cold of mental health”. Yet its impact on one’s life can be profound. It’s more than just feeling sad. It’s a persistent state that can affect how you feel, think, and act, often dimming the light in areas of life that once brought joy. Unfortunately, many individuals experiencing depression struggle in silence. So it’s crucial to understand what depression is and how you can get support.

Essentially, major depressive disorder is a serious mental health condition. It is characterized by a prolonged loss of interest or pleasure in activities, accompanied by feelings of sadness, emptiness, or irritability. This can impact energy levels, sleep patterns, appetite, and the ability to concentrate.This cycle creates a ripple effect, making it difficult to function effectively in daily life, whether at home, work, or in relationships.

Everyone’s experience of depression is individual. Symptoms vary in intensity and presentation. They can range from mild feelings of low mood and fatigue to more severe experiences. These can include significant changes in appetite and sleep, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, and even thoughts of death or self-harm.

The causes of depression are complex and can involve a combination of factors. Common risk factors include

• stressors like poverty or abuse,
• personality traits such as pessimism or low self-esteem,
• a family history of depression, or
• hormonal or neurochemical variations.

The important thing to remember is that depression is highly treatable. People actually do get better. With the right support, you can find pathways back to joy and engagement in life. Therapy can help you to understand the underlying factors contributing to your depression. From there we’ll work on developing responses that cultivate a sense of hope and well-being.

If it seems that depression is casting a shadow over your life and cutting you off from others, we encourage you to reach out. Our psychologists are here to provide the understanding, skills, and support you need to navigate this experience and move towards a brighter future.