DEPRESSION

Depression is more than a feeling of occasional sadness.

Depression is a mental health condition, that requires care.

THE WAVE CLINIC > MENTAL HEALTH > DEPRESSION

Depression

Depression is more than a feeling of occasional sadness. Depression is a mental health condition, that requires care. Care be be a various different levels depending on the severity of the depression and needs of the individual. The Wave has both residential and outpatient treatment options for depression treatment for young people.

Living with depression can be very difficult. Depression can prevent us from enjoying life and sometimes lead to withdrawing, avoiding friends, family and activities that we used to enjoy. We may notice that our family member or friend has become more irritable than they used to, to moody/discontent. Sleeping can also become problematic, sleeping too much or finding it difficult to sleep at all. Physical symptoms, aches, pains , fatigue, stomach aches can all feature in depression for young people. Lack of confidence and plummeting self esteem, feeling unattractive, hopeless and miserable, Occasionally, there may be periods of self harm (cutting, burning, self hitting) or thoughts of death or dying. Some young people with depression may try to end their life or discuss suicide at length.

Whilst depression can affect all ages; young adults and teenagers are particularly at risk. Girls have a slightly increased risk of suffering from depression. It is thought that severe depression affects about 3% of young people

Depression is the most common mental health diagnosis worldwide. The World Health Organisation estimates that depression affects more than 300 million people globally, and while both women and men are impacted equally by depression, women tend to be diagnosed more often, possibly because there is less stigma in getting help.

While the causes of depression are not fully understood, there can be many contributing factors. Depression can have genetic, biological, environmental and psychosocial roots. It can also be caused by major life events such as bereavement, a loss of a job or a loss of home.

Symptoms of depression include:

A persistent low mood. (This is different than being triggered by an event and feeling sad or off kilter for a limited period.
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Sadness, loss of interest or enjoyment in activities that used to bring joy, loss of pleasure.
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Preferring to be alone, withdrawing from friends.
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Difficulty maintaining personal hygiene.
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Somatic symptoms including fatigue, lethargy, headaches and stomach aches.
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Lack of sex drive and libido, which can profoundly affect relationships.
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Lack of appetite, which can lead to weight loss.
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Insomnia or hypersomnia (excessive sleeping).
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A persistent low mood. (This is different than being triggered by an event and feeling sad or off kilter for a limited period.
1/8

Sadness, loss of interest or enjoyment in activities that used to bring joy, loss of pleasure.
2/8

Preferring to be alone, withdrawing from friends.
3/8

Difficulty maintaining personal hygiene.
4/8

Somatic symptoms including fatigue, lethargy, headaches and stomach aches.
5/8

Lack of sex drive and libido, which can profoundly affect relationships.
6/8

Lack of appetite, which can lead to weight loss.
7/8

Insomnia or hypersomnia (excessive sleeping).
8/8

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Just as there are varying severities of depression, there is a range of treatments.

Depression can be helped through the support of friends and family or

be treated by working with a psychotherapist or receiving inpatient care.

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Dealing with depression

At The Wave, we know that a person dealing with depression needs to build coping strategies, but that they may also need to make outward changes such as finding a new job or getting out of a bullying situation.

We always address any underlying trauma, and will use the medication if appropriate, but always as prescribed by a doctor. We also know that even 20 minutes of physical activity per day is a natural mood enhancer, which is why our program involves as much exercise and fresh air as possible.

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FAQ's

What are the risk factors for developing symptoms of depression?

We do understand that there are some things that make people more at risk of developing depression. Whilst rates are equal in boys and girls up to adolescence; women are twice as likely as men to be diagnosed with depression in adulthood.

Is it common to suffer from depression?

It is. Depression (or major depressive disorder) is one of the most common reasons that people take extended leave of absence for medical reasons. In fact, up to 25% of women and up to 15% of men will suffer from at least one episode of depression during their lifetime. Having a family history of depression increases the like hood of symptoms and diagnosis. There are times in life when the risk of developing symptoms becomes higher; adolescence with hormonal changes, shortly after delivery of a baby, menopause and older adults all have increased risk profiles.

Is it ok to stop taking my medication when I begin to feel better following a depressive episode?

It is never a good idea to stop taking medicine prescribed for you, without the supervision of your Doctor or psychiatrist. Medications prescribed for depression or anti-depressants can take a while to become most effective. Stopping medication without supervision can be unpleasant and sometimes dangerous. Even if you feel well, please consult your Doctor before making any changes.

What other factors can contribute to depression?

Conflict at home, overwhelming stress, chronic illness, loneliness, substance abuse and major life events can put us more at risk of developing depression.

For more FAQs, please refer to our FAQs page.