Depression: what you need to know
Whether you are curious, or looking for support, I hope to shed some light on what depression is, who might struggle with it and how to get help if you need it.
The official definition of depression is feelings of sadness or defeat for a prolonged period. We all experience times where we feel sad, however, people with depression deal with these feelings for longer. There are lots of symptoms for depression, including: becoming uninterested in something you normally like, or feeling exhausted. You don’t have to be experiencing all of the symptoms to be depressed. If you are only experiencing a couple of symptoms, your feelings are not less important than someone who may be experiencing all of them.
Anyone can become depressed. This might seem like a rather melancholy concept but it is reality. I have suffered with depression for most of my teen years. I used to be ashamed and it was a long time before I was able to admit that I am depressed, without feeling like I had just said something shocking and disgusting. I felt like I had to keep it secret, but I’ve moved on from that mindset now. With help from my family and friends, I now feel comfortable and open to discuss it. Depression doesn’t discriminate so neither should we. Speaking out about depression can reassure others who experience it too. I am only 1 of 264 million people worldwide who suffer with depression. If you are feeling depressed, remember that you are not alone – others experience depression too.
If you are worried about someone who is depressed, it is important that you reach out to them as they might be feeling anxious about speaking up. Also, this year, it is more important than ever to just check in on everyone you know.
Speaking with someone about how you are feeling can feel like a weight off your shoulders and you will be able to get the help that you need. If you are struggling and you would like some support, there are people, resources and helplines that you can use:
The official definition of depression is feelings of sadness or defeat for a prolonged period. We all experience times where we feel sad, however, people with depression deal with these feelings for longer. There are lots of symptoms for depression, including: becoming uninterested in something you normally like, or feeling exhausted. You don’t have to be experiencing all of the symptoms to be depressed. If you are only experiencing a couple of symptoms, your feelings are not less important than someone who may be experiencing all of them.
Anyone can become depressed. This might seem like a rather melancholy concept but it is reality. I have suffered with depression for most of my teen years. I used to be ashamed and it was a long time before I was able to admit that I am depressed, without feeling like I had just said something shocking and disgusting. I felt like I had to keep it secret, but I’ve moved on from that mindset now. With help from my family and friends, I now feel comfortable and open to discuss it. Depression doesn’t discriminate so neither should we. Speaking out about depression can reassure others who experience it too. I am only 1 of 264 million people worldwide who suffer with depression. If you are feeling depressed, remember that you are not alone – others experience depression too.
If you are worried about someone who is depressed, it is important that you reach out to them as they might be feeling anxious about speaking up. Also, this year, it is more important than ever to just check in on everyone you know.
Speaking with someone about how you are feeling can feel like a weight off your shoulders and you will be able to get the help that you need. If you are struggling and you would like some support, there are people, resources and helplines that you can use:
- It is important to talk to those around you – friends, family or anyone you feel comfortable speaking with.
- E-motion: Counselling for 12-18 year olds in East Sussex https://www.e-motion.org.uk/
- SHOUT – SHOUT is a 24/7 texting service that connects you directly to a trained professional. Unlike a lot of mental health services, this one is via text. Sometimes, a phone call can feel overwhelming. Text SHOUT to 85258.
- Samaritans - phone 116123 for 24-hour support.
- Mental health foundation – www.mentalhealth.org.uk (support and information).
- Mind – www.mind.org.uk (advice and support).
- iRock - local youth counselling - https://www.facebook.com/iRockEastbourne