Month: <span>October 2016</span>

The depression syndrome is a collection of feelings and behaviours that have been found to characterise depressed people as a group.

You may find that you experience all or some of these feelings and behaviours. There are many individual differences to the number of symptoms and the extent to which different symptoms are experienced.

Mood:

Depression is considered to be a disorder of mood. Individuals who are depressed, describe low mood that has persisted for longer than two weeks. In mild forms of depression, individuals may not feel bad all day but still describe a dismal outlook and a sense of gloom. Their mood may lift with a positive experience, but fall again with even a minor disappointment.

In severe depression, a low mood could persist throughout the day, failing to lift even when pleasant things occur. The low mood may fluctuate during the day – it may be worse in the morning and relatively better in the afternoon. This is called ‘diurnal variation,’ which often accompanies a more severe type of depression.

In addition to sadness, other moods common to depression are:

1. • Anxiety.
2. Guilt. •
3. Worthlessness and inadequacy

Thinking:

Individuals who are depressed think in certain ways. They tend to see themselves in a negative light. Often their self-esteem and self-confidence become very low. They dwell on how bad they feel, how the world is terrible, and on how hopeless everything is. The general ‘thinking theme’ of a person suffering from Depression are somewhat negative and pessimistic.

Physical:

Some people experience physical symptoms of depression.

• Sleep patterns could change. Some people may experience difficulty falling asleep. Some may wake during the night and find it difficult to go back to sleep, or wake up early in the morning. Others may find themselves sleeping more and have difficulty staying awake.
• Appetite may decline and weight loss occur, or some people may find themselves eating more than usual and thus gain weight.
• Sexual interest may decline.
• Energy levels may fall, as does motivation to carry out everyday activities. Depressed individuals may stop doing the things they used to enjoy because they feel unmotivated or lethargic.

Interacting with Other People:

Many depressed people express concern about their personal relationships. They may become unhappy and dissatisfied with their family, and other close, relationships. They may feel shy and anxious when they are with other people, especially in a group. They may feel lonely and isolated, yet at the same time, are unwilling or unable to reach out to others, even when they have the opportunities for doing so.

Have a think about yourself, and write & reflect upon your depression:

1) How does my life change when I’m depressed?

2) What have I noticed about what I do or don’t do when I’m depressed?

3) How does my view of myself, others, and the future change when I’m depressed?

4) What do other people notice about me when I’m depressed?

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is one of the major therapies now recommended by medical experts and GP’s, and has a strong evidence base to show significant improvements in Depression. So if you would like support to overcome your depression, get in touch with our cbt therapy nottingham clinic now.