What is depression?

“We all have times when our mood is low, and we’re feeling sad or miserable about life. Usually, these feelings pass in due course. But if the feelings are interfering with your life and don’t go away after a couple of weeks, or if they come back repeatedly for a few days at a time, it could be a sign that you’re experiencing depression.” Said our Emotional and Wellbeing Co-ordinator, Amanda Easton.

There is no single cause of depression. It can occur for a variety of reasons, and it has many different triggers. Depression could be triggered by external factors like an upsetting or stressful life event e.g. a new job, bereavement, money worries. It’s been suggested that certain personality traits and genetics may also play a role in depression. For many years, there has been a stigma surrounding mental health meaning that many people have suffered in silence in fear of seeming weak or being dismissed as it’s not a visible illness. However, society is becoming more aware and accepting of mental health issues so it’s important to speak up and seek help if you feel you need it.

Depression is a very real illness that can have a large impact on your life. It can vary in severity; mild depression may feel like you’re in low spirits. You may find activities that you previously enjoyed harder to do, less enjoyable and less worthwhile. At its most severe, depression can be life-threatening, making people feel suicidal.

It’s important to seek help from a GP if you think you are depressed, or if you’re finding a low mood is affecting your everyday life. A GP may suggest that you exercise or seek support through family members or local support groups. In some cases, they may prescribe antidepressants which help to regulate your symptoms.

At Deafblind UK, we offer a range of emotional support services to help you through your time of need. This includes counselling, six-week support programmes, and opportunities for social interaction. You can find out more about our emotional support services here.