Information about depression

þ Everyone feels sad or upset sometimes.  Feeling low is a normal

       response to upsetting or difficult experiences, and these feelings will

       usually pass.

þ If you are affected by depression, feelings of sadness will remain, or

      are so intense that they interfere with day-to-day living.

þ Depression is a common illness, which will affect 1 in 5 people during

      their lifetime.

þ Depression can affected anyone, at any age.

þ Episodes of depression may not always be associated with extreme 

      life events and the reasons why some people become ill may not be

      apparent.

þ Depression can also involve feelings of hopelessness, tiredness, low

      self-esteem, sleeping problems and physical aches and pains.

þ The length of an episode of depression can vary between

       individuals but the vast majority of people will make a full recovery.

þ There are a variety of approaches to the treatment of depression,

      which may include medication and/or psychological therapies such as

      counselling, but learning how to help yourself is always an

      important part. 

If you think that you might be depressed, then please don't be afraid to get help.

Talking to a close friend or relative about how you are feeling is an important first step.  You should also visit your doctor, who is used to treating people with depression.  You could also contact us.