5. Depression – Fact File
Take a look at these statements about depression below – hover over them to reveal the explanations.
Depression and sadness are not the same
Sadness is a temporary condition and is usually connected to a negative experience or sad thoughts and memories. Depression is a long-lasting mood state which may or may not be connected to negative experiences.
It’s not weak to feel depressed
Clinical Depression is an illness. It is a strength to acknowledge it and work towards changing the symptoms of depression.
Depression can affect all genders
Whilst more females than males are diagnosed with depression, many boys and men do experience clinical depression. They often express depression differently to girls and women; and are more likely to be overlooked as a result.
Medication is not always taken for the rest of the individual's life
Depression is different for everyone and for a few people medication is necessary. However, medication is always prescribed alongside psychological treatment (such as talking therapies), and in many cases psychological treatment on its own is effective.
Grief is not the same as depression
Grief is related to the loss of someone or something. Grieving is a healing process and meant to happen in order to adjust to the loss. Depression is a long-lasting mood state, which may or may not be connected to negative experiences.
There are ways of managing depression
There are lots of things that people do every day to manage depression if their symptoms are mild to moderate. Depression responds well to CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy).
Regular lack of sleep can contribute to low mood
Your body needs to have a regular sleep cycle for your brain to work at its best. Young people should get around 8 to 9 hours sleep every night for optimum mental health.