Depression

Are you depressed?

Some common signs of depression

  • Having an extended period of low mood or feeling unhappy
  • Having a lot of negative thoughts or feeling very negative about life in general
  • Changes in sleep patterns. Either sleeping more or trouble getting to sleep or staying asleep.  Waking up early.
  • Changes in eating patterns. Either eating more or less
  • Feeling very tired
  • Lack of energy
  • Thoughts of hopelessness or worthlessness and lack of confidence in self
  • Difficulty thinking straight and making decisions
  • Lack of motivation or interest in things that you used to enjoy
  • Loss of interest in exercise
  • Craving more time along, not wanting to see others or be sociable
  • Feeling more irritable or impatient
  • Having more anxious thoughts
  • Thoughts of harming yourself or ending your life

Things that may help

  • Talking to someone
  • Prioritising taking care of yourself
  • Trying to eat well
  • Trying to sleep well
  • Getting some exercise
  • Doing something sociable
  • Doing something that you find enjoyable
  • Quieten any critical thoughts, try being kind and compassionate to yourself
  • Be your own best friend
  • Remember that it is very common to have a period of depression and that it will pass

Ideas of things that may help.  Having a bath,  watching something you enjoy,  listening to favourite music,  going for a walk,  chatting to a friend,  going for a swim,  having a sauna or massage,  listening to some guided meditation,  spending time with a pet eg walking the dog or stoking the cat,  visiting a place you like or getting out into nature.

 

Are You Depressed