What is depression?
Depression is a mood disorder characterised primarily by low mood. There are a list of symptoms at Link (roll over me to see where I go)Depression can make trying to achieve anything feel like trying to swim through treacle, and means that suffers feel the effects of bad things which happen to them far more than good things.
It can cause problems with work and relationships and can unfortunately be fatal.
There are some other clinical diagnoses related to depression which some people on the depression thread suffer from. These include:
Stress
Generalised Anxiety Disorder
Bipolar Depression
There is a lot of useful information on the site Link (roll over me to see where I go), including a very useful document written by Dr. Tim Cantopher.
I think I might be depressed, what should I do?
The best thing to do is to go and see your GP. Beforehand, have a think about what symptoms are causing you to think you have depression. If necessary, make a note of them so that you can be accurate when talking to your doctor.How do I get better?
Your GP may give you some combination of three things:* Antidepressant medication
* Sign you off work
* Counselling
As a rough guide (but not a strict rule) medication and time off work will help you to deal with the symptoms you are suffering at the moment. Counselling will help you to avoid getting to the same point in the future.
In addition, exercise helps a lot.
Alcohol on more than an occasional basis is a bad idea.
I've been signed off work... what should I do with myself
You may have DIY or housework or projects which you've been meaning to get round to. DO NOT PLAN TO DO ANY OF THESE!You're signed off work because you need some rest and recuperation.
There aren't really any hard and fast rules that can be given here - you have to listen to what your body and mind are telling you. If staying in bed or lying on the couch all day feels like what you need then do it. Do some of the housework or DIY if you feel like it but stop when you're tired and again don't plan on getting them done and don't allow yourself to feel guilty if they don't get done.
Try to get outside for at least 20 minutes during the daytime.
Should I tell other people what is wrong?
That is a very personal decision which nobody else can make for you.However, you may well have not been your normal self if you are depressed and friends and family probably know that there is something wrong but not what.
You will have to consider whether to tell your place of work. At many companies letting them know that there is a problem means that they will put a plan in place to help you recover and work to accommodate any needs you have. Unfortunately this is not the case at every company. If you are getting signed off work then some GPs are willing to put something other than depression on the form
Depression and exercise
As mentioned above, exercise can help keep depression under control. Unfortunately it can be very hard to exercise when you're lethargic and lacking motivation.If you have a coach then it is probably worth discussing the problems depression creates for you with them.
If not, then try not to put pressure on yourself. Ignoring any pace or distance goals just do your best to get out and do some every few days. It's better to do half a mile than not to do anything.
Related Threads
In some cases there are other problems which exist alongside depression.People with food issues (binge eating, overeating etc.) may want to look at Link (roll over me to see where I go)
People wishing to cut down alcohol use may want to look at Link (roll over me to see where I go)