Understanding Depression: Types, Symptoms, and Treatments

What is Depression?

Depression is a persistent feeling of low mood that significantly affects everyday life.

Key points about depression:

• Mild Depression: Allows normal functioning but makes mundane tasks challenging.
• Severe Depression: Can lead to suicidal thoughts and is life-threatening.

Symptoms of Depression

Common symptoms of depression include:

• Feeling down, restless, or guilty.
• Isolation, low self-esteem, and hopelessness.
• Self-criticism and possibly self-harm.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Seasonal affective disorder is a form of depression linked to seasonal patterns:

• Most severe during late autumn and winter due to reduced daylight.
• Symptoms may improve or disappear in spring and summer.
• Common symptoms include low mood, loss of interest, and increased sleepiness.

Treatments for SAD

Effective treatments for SAD include:

• Lifestyle adjustments such as regular exercise and exposure to natural light.
• Light Therapy: Using special lamps to simulate sunlight exposure.
• Talking Therapies: Counselling or cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).
• Medications: Antidepressants may also be prescribed.

Postnatal Depression

Postnatal depression affects new parents:

• Occurs within weeks to two years after childbirth.
• Affects around one in ten mothers but can also impact fathers or partners.
• Signs include persistent low mood, difficulty bonding with the baby, and low self-esteem.

Seeking Help for Depression

Support for depression can be accessed through:

• Health visitors, GPs, and NHS 111 for immediate assistance.
• NCT new parent support and Association of Post-Natal Illness for specialised advice.
• Samaritans for confidential support, Rethink Mental Illness for comprehensive mental health support, and Cruse for bereavement-related depression.