Most of us will feel low, fed up or miserable at some point in our lives. Usually these feelings don't last more than a few weeks but there are instances when you may feel low for an extended period of time. You may experience feelings of sadness, a loss of interest in activities you previously enjoyed, a loss of appetite, changes in weight, concentration difficulties, and feelings of hopelessness.
Am I depressed?
Depression can affect everyone in different ways. For some people it can be just feeling upset or low for extended periods of time. For others it can be more intense, leading to a complete loss of interest in life and impacting in nearly every aspect of day to day life.
Symptoms include:
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Feeling low for much of the day, every day
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Feeling socially awkward and isolated
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Feeling helpless
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A loss of confidence
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Trouble sleeping
What causes depression?
It is likely that you will feel low or depressed for more than one reason. This will vary between individuals and causes will be personal.
Examples include:
- Traumatic life events, losing a job, or ending a relationship
- Loss because of bereavement or a major life change
- Experiences in childhood
- Some physical conditions
How can Talk Wandsworth help?
It is important to seek help as soon as possible if you feel that you are suffering from low mood or depression. You can speak to your GP or refer yourself to the service. Talk Wandsworth will help you understand more about the condition, and what changes can be made to begin to get your balance back.