How does it affect me?

Depression affects each person in different ways and it can vary in severity. If you’ve already read what is depression? you will know that there are a whole lot of different signs or symptoms for depression. If not, check out the wall of depression to find out more.

When talking about depression, your GP or health professional may describe it as: mild, moderate or severe. This refers to how much it is affecting your ability to cope with life.

In mild cases feelings of low mood may come and go but you will generally be able to cope with everyday activities.
In moderate cases a persistent low mood is accompanied by some physical symptoms and keeping up with things like work, study, socialising becomes a struggle.
In cases of severe depression you will experience persistent low mood, intense physical symptoms and will be unlikely to keep up with normal activities and responsibilities.

Depression can have an impact on all parts of your life.

The body

It’s fairly typical to have problems sleeping when you are depressed and you may have aches and pains that are not explained by a physical illness, such as tension headaches and feelings of panic. A lot of people will notice a change in their appetite - either they stop eating much at all or completely the opposite and often feel the need to eat all the time or binge. A lot of people have stomach problems, including constipation or diarrhoea. You may feel tired and drained and lacking in energy most of the time.

Mood and emotions

Many people with depression have a persistent low mood, and even doing things that would normally cheer you up does not improve it. Depression can make you more irritable than usual or you may feel numb and unable to feel any emotion. You may cry a lot or feel like you are unable to cry at all even though you may want to. The depression is often accompanied by anxiety which can become overwhelming at times.

Thoughts

Depression also affects how you think about yourself, about others, about your work, your home, your friends and family and everything else in your life. You might become preoccupied with negative thoughts – these thoughts are often bleak and pessimistic about the future. You might feel bad about yourself and lose your confidence and belief in yourself and your own abilities.

It is common to have suicidal thoughts and in severe depression you may become actively suicidal or simply lose the will to live. If you are feeling suicidal, you should seek help immediately. Go to our get help now! page to find the names of organisations and people who can help.

Behaviour and activity

Depression can have a big impact on our behaviour. You might have stopped socialising or doing those activities you used to really enjoy, like going to the movies, catching up with your mates or doing exercise. Other people find they have too much on and feel they spend their whole lives trying to meet deadlines and ‘keep up appearances’.

It’s common to avoid things that seem difficult or that are worrying you. Or you might be doing things to block your thoughts and feelings like going on shopping sprees, drinking excessively, bingeing, not eating or self-harming.

What is depression?

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Why did
I get it?

best “Although I’d known for ages there was something wrong, it was one of my close friends who first encouraged me to speak to my GP. It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, but also one of the best steps I have taken."

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Is recovery possible?

One of the symptoms of depression is hopelessness. This means that you may feel that recovery is not possible and there is little point pursuing treatment because it will not help.

This is not true: Most people with depression do go back to leading a normal life. Don't be afraid to seek help. Talk to us for more information or read the getting help section.

Brought to you by Depression Alliance Scotland.
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