Depression

Life is worth talking about

 

Everyone occasionally feels blue or sad, but these feelings usually pass within a couple of days. We often use the expression ‘I'm feeling depressed’ when we're feeling sad or miserable about life. Usually, these feelings pass with time. But if these feelings are interfering with your life and don't go away after a couple of weeks, or if they come back, over and over again, it could be a sign that you are depressed in the medical sense of the term.

 

  • Persistent sad, anxious or ‘empty’ feelings

  • Feelings of hopelessness and/or pessimism

  • Feelings of guilt, worthlessness and/or
    helplessness

  • Irritability, restlessness

  • Loss of interest in activities or hobbies once
    pleasurable, including sex

  • Fatigue and decreased energy

  • Difficulty concentrating, remembering details
    and making decisions

  • Insomnia, early–morning wakefulness, or
    excessive sleeping

  • Overeating, or appetite loss

  • Thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts

  • Persistent aches or pains, headaches

 

Bipolar disorder is the name used to describe a set of 'mood swing' conditions, the most severe form of which used to be called 'manic depression'. With bipolar disorder, moods can swing between low, high and mixed. It is important to note that everyone has mood swings from time to time. It is only when these moods become extreme and interfere with life that bipolar disorder may be present and medical assessment may be needed.

 

Many people with a depressive illness never seek treatment. But the vast majority, even those with the most severe depression, can get better with treatment. If you are concerned that you or someone you know might be showing signs of depression it is important to get support.

 

Useful Contacts

 

Talk to a GP

Click here to see all local GP contacts

 

Aware

Helping to Defeat Depression

www.aware.ie

1890 303 302

 

Spunout

Irish Youth Health Information

www.spunout.ie

 

Reachout

Helping you get though tough times

www.reachout.com

 

Grow

World Community Mental Health Movement in Ireland

www.grow.ie

+353 (0)21 427 7520

1890 474 474