Depression Awareness Week starts today, and runs until Friday, April 18th. It’s telling that depression has become enough of a problem in our society to merit its own week. In England alone, 31 million prescriptions were written for anti-depressants in 2006.
According to charity Depression Alliance,
“Depression is a feeling of persistent sadness, involving feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. It involves not only mood but also feelings of being physically ill and of not being able to think clearly. It is one of the most common conditions in the UK, affecting at least one in five people during their lifetime. It is also one of the most misunderstood. We believe that the lack of accurate information surrounding depression continues to prevent those affected from seeking and finding help when it is required.No-one should fear depression; the vast majority of people affected will make a full recovery after appropriate treatment. Successful treatment can involve a variety of different approaches, including self-help, psychotherapy, or medication. Depression Alliance is committed to offering people with depression information about the options available so that they can work with their doctor to make an informed decision about their own treatment.”
Depression Alliance recommends the following ways of helping someone with depression:
1. Remember that they cannot help being affected by depression.
2. Encourage them to talk and listen to what they are saying.
3. Let them know that you care about them.
4. Stay in contact with them. Send a card, give them a ring, visit them in their home. Depression can be a very isolating experience.
5. Help them to feel good about themselves by praising daily achievements.
6. Encourage them to help themselves by adopting self-help techniques.
7.Find out about support services available to them and to you (self-help groups, out of hours emergency support, helplines, etc). Put them in touch with Depression Alliance.
8. Encourage them to visit their doctor, and ensure that they take any prescribed medication as directed.
And if you are suffering, speak to an expert. Visit your GP or call Samaritans on 08457 909090 – they offer 24 hour emotional support.
