Depression is a feeling of constant sadness and powerlessness that can be mild, moderate or extreme. Severe forms of depression are referred to as major depressive disorder, or clinical depression. Depression affects your work, emotional life, family and friends, and sometimes leads sufferers to harm themselves in the belief that things will never improve, yet most people do not seek help, even though there are a number of successful treatment options.

The Statistics

One in four people in the UK suffer from mental health problems every year, with anxiety and depression topping the list as the most common mental disorder, according to the Mental Health Foundation.

Depression can happen to anyone, but women are twice as likely to become depressed as men, possibly due to all the hormonal changes linked with puberty, menstruation, menopause, and pregnancy. Men are less likely to seek help or to be diagnosed. People who are from lower income groups, are unemployed or have long-term illnesses are most likely to remain depressed over an extended period of time.

Older people often experience life-changing events that can trigger depression, with 2 in 5 people living in care homes suffering from depression, but often going without diagnosis or treatment because their symptoms are seen as normal signs of ageing.

Men are four times more likely to kill themselves than women are, and suicide remains the most common cause of death for men under 35. The suicide rate is, however, highest among people over 65.

Symptoms

Symptoms may arise gradually or can be the natural response to a particularly upsetting event

• Exhaustion, loss of energy, even when you have just woken up
• Permanent sadness, particularly in the morning
• Loss of self-confidence and self-esteem
• Inability to concentrate or make decisions
• Loss of interest in life and the future, lack of enjoyment of things that used to be fun
• Unjustified feelings of shame, inadequacy or insignificance. Feeling that you are a burden to others
• Feelings of powerless, despair, worry or anxiety
• Feeling restless, irritable or listless
• Insomnia or excessive sleeping, nightmares, waking up very early
• Avoidance of others, or fear of being alone
• Difficulty working efficiently at work/college/school
• Inability to eat or feel hungry; or marked weight gain
• Loss of libido or sexual difficulties
• Physical aches and pains like constant headaches or back pain
• Suicidal thoughts or thinking about death
• Self-harm

If you have experienced five or more of these symptoms, for most of the day, over a period lasting more than 2 weeks, you may be suffering from depression and should seek help.

More on Depression:

Understanding Depression – The stats, signs and symptoms

Depression and Teens – Depressed people are getting younger and younger

The Causes of Depression – Causes, treatments and what to do if you’re depressed

Your Mental Health: When It’s Not Just Depression – Bipolar Disorder

Depression and Addiction – How depression is linked to drinking and drugs