Feeling down or unusually tired on occasion is nothing strange, just part of life. However, if you suffer from low mood and feel sad and listless essentially all the time for at least two weeks, you could have depression. If so, effective treatment is available.
Depression is a medical condition that changes the way you think and feel. If you’re depressed, it’s common to feel listless and irritable and to have difficulty concentrating. You may also have trouble making decisions, anxiety, problems sleeping and changes in appetite. You may find life generally hard-going and meaningless.
It’s common to think that you’ll never feel happy again, and you may even be convinced of this. You may have thoughts that you’re really a failure and worthless, and you might worry about how those around you would react if you told them how you truly feel. You may feel like you’re trying to put up a façade, but behind it you may feel like you’ve fallen apart.
Even though you feel so awful, it can be difficult to realize that you’re depressed. Instead, you may be convinced that your thoughts about the meaninglessness of everything and suffering are what life is really about. Although it may seem like this at the time, depression makes you forget the things in life that you actually enjoy. This is how depression works, acting like a filter that distorts your view of yourself, the world around you and the future.
Depression can be mild, moderate or severe. With mild depression, you can usually cope with everyday life despite feeling awful. With moderate depression, everyday life is more difficult to manage but you can deal with the essentials. With severe depression, you can barely get out of bed. Simple things like making a phone call or opening your mail can then feel impossible to do.
It can be difficult to see an end to your suffering. You may have thoughts that you don’t want to live any more. You may even think that your loved ones would be better off without you. If you’re feeling this low, you should not be alone, you should seek help immediately.
If you think you have depression, you should seek medical attention. The first step could be to contact your healthcare centre. You can find healthcare centres on the 1177 website. There are several ways to treat depression, including psychological treatment, medication and physical activity. If you find it difficult to contact healthcare services, ask someone close to you to do so for you.
If you’re feeling so low that you’re considering taking your own life, don’t delay, seek immediate medical attention at a psychiatric emergency clinic or call 112.
It can be difficult to take care of yourself when suffering from depression. Eating and sleeping are important, no matter how difficult you find them. Try to get out every day, even if it’s only for a walk around the block. It’s best not to drink alcohol even if it makes you feel better for the moment. Talking to someone, writing or listening to music can be ways to feel better, or at least less down. Depression usually passes, but it can return. It’s important not to stop treatment for depression prematurely, even if you feel much better.
Many people who’ve suffered from depression have come out the other side. Depression is one of the most common causes of sick leave today. Being on sick leave isn’t a sign of weakness or failure but quite the opposite in fact. It’s a way to give yourself a chance to get better.
Reviewed by: Johnny Pellas, neuropsychologist and researcher, Uppsala University.
Last edited 2024-01-15