Depression is a real illness with real symptoms. It is not a sign of weakness or something you can “snap out of” by “pulling yourself together”.
Being in a new country can be exciting, but it can also be stressful. Do you know your way around this huge city? Language issues, making new friends, adjusting to a new job, or not having a job can all influence your well-being. Many life events and situations that can trigger stress. What happens when these stressful events get on top of you? Do you feel low because of that? Could this be the beginning of depression?
Feeling depressed is more than simply feeling unhappy, hopeless, or worthless. You might feel fed up for a few days. However, these symptoms have to be present every day, most of the day for at least two weeks.
Most people go through periods of feeling low or down, but when you’re really depressed, you feel sad and down for weeks or months, rather than just a few days.
Some people think depression is not a real health condition. That is not correct. Depression is a real illness with real symptoms. It is not a sign of weakness or something you can “snap out of” by “pulling yourself together”.
Treatment however is possible.
How do you know if you have depression?
Depression can present with different symptoms and will affect people differently.
You may feel unhappy and hopeless. Or you lose interest in the things you used to enjoy and you feel tearful. Many people with depression also have anxiety.
Physical symptoms can include feeling tired, sleeping badly, less appetite or sex drive, and body aches and pains.
You may feel low in spirit all the time while severe depression can make you feel suicidal, that life is no longer worth living.
Most people can have feelings of stress, anxiety, or low mood during difficult times. The symptoms will last for more than two weeks, at least when it is depression.
When to see a doctor
It’s important to seek help from a GP (GOOD PRACTICE) or medical professional if you think you may be depressed.
People can wait a long time before seeking help for depression, but it is best not to delay. The sooner you see a doctor, the sooner you can be on the way to recovery.
What causes depression?
Sometimes there is a clear trigger for depression. Life-changing events, such as bereavement, losing your job, the end of a relationship, or giving birth, can bring it on.
A family history of depression can also make it more likely to experience depression. However, you can also become depressed for no obvious reason.
How to treat depression
Lifestyle changes, talking therapies, and medicine are the main options for treatment. Your recommended treatment will be based on how severe your depression is.
If you have mild depression, your family doctor may suggest waiting to see whether it improves on its own while monitoring your progress. This is known as “watchful waiting”. Lifestyle measures, such as exercise and guided self-help, can also be suggested.
Talking therapies, such as COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY (CBT), may also be used to treat depression. For CBT, it is best to see a psychologist. GOOD PRACTICE can help you if you need an English-speaking therapist.
For moderate to severe depression, a combination of talking therapy and medication (antidepressants) is often recommended. If you have severe depression, you may be referred to a specialist like a psychiatrist for intensive, specialist talking treatment and prescribed medicine.
Living with depression
Many people with depression benefit by making lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise, refraining from alcohol as well as smoking, and eating healthily. Looking after your health in general will have a positive effect on your depression.
Reading about depression can make you understand depression. Sharing your experiences with others who are in a similar situation can also be very helpful.
A word of advice
Talk to a trusted medical practitioner. A good GP can ask you the correct questions to find out more about your mental state of health. The sooner you discuss your symptoms, the sooner you can be helped. There are several options and a tailor-made plan can be designed for you. English-speaking professionals are, for instance, available at the GOOD PRACTICE clinic.