Depression

Around 20% of us will suffer the effects of depression at some point in our lives. Its symptoms can range from mild but persistent sadness to considerations of self-harm or attempted suicide, and although difficult to diagnose IT IS TREATABLE.

Anyone from any background can develop this illness; it has nothing to do with strength or willpower. Its extreme form, known as “clinical depression”, can severely interfere with everyday life as unhappiness and low self-worth dominate your every thought and action.

Depression comes in many different forms. Here are a few often in the news:

• Bi-polar disorder or manic depression – Suffering from this is a little like an emotional roller coaster, as your mood swings range from extreme highs to heavy lows
• Post natal depression (PND) – Around one in ten women experience this within their first year of motherhood
• Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) – Believed to be related to the shorter days and lack of daylight in autumn and winter