Depression has a number of possible causes – genetic, biochemical, hormonal or situational. Significant life events can trigger periods of depression such as exam or work stress, family turmoil or concerns around identity or sexual orientation.
Signs and symptoms
The general rule of thumb is that an individual can be diagnosed with depression if they experience five or more depressive symptoms for more than two weeks.
Depressive symptoms include:
- Feelings of overwhelming sadness and hopelessness
- Loss of interest or pleasure in everyday activities or hobbies that are usually enjoyed
- Sleep disturbances; having difficulty sleeping, waking early, not being able to fall asleep, feeling overly tired or having no energy to get out of bed
- Changes in appetite — often reduced appetite and weight loss, but increased cravings for food and weight gain in some people
- Physical pain including headaches or muscle aches
- Having recurrent thoughts of death, suicide or self-harm.
Treatment
Less than 40% of people with depression get any professional help, despite the fact that depression is a very treatable condition. Untreated depression can have negative impacts including employment issues, strain on relationships, drug and alcohol use and suicidal thoughts or attempts.
Those who do seek help for depression may have often experienced symptoms for many months or even years.
With proper assessment and diagnosis, recovery from depression can begin within weeks of commencement of a treatment plan. Most people go on to live healthy and happy lives with treatment.
If you or someone you love is experiencing symptoms of depression, your first point of contact should be your GP. Following assessment by your GP, they may recommend that you are referred for an assessment at one of our community mental health clinics called the Dean Clinics or alternatively, your GP may suggest that you need to come into hospital.
In St Patrick’s Mental Health Services, our Depression Recovery Service provides a comprehensive multidisciplinary assessment, treatment and aftercare service for those with depression. In line with international best practice guidelines for depression, it aims to deliver treatment in an accessible and flexible way along with providing follow-up care and support for those who require it.
Useful resources
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Contact details
St Patrick’s Mental Health Services Support & Information LineWalk in My Shoes Helpline for 18-25 year olds- Aware tel 1800 80 48 48
- Headline tel 01 5413715
- Mental Health Ireland tel 01 284 1166
- Mental Health Reform tel (01) 874 9468
- MyMind tel 076 680 1060
- National Office for Suicide Prevention (NOSP) tel 1850 24 1850
- Pieta House tel 01 628 2111
- Reach Out tel 01 764 5666
- Social Anxiety Ireland tel 085-216 8981
- Teen Between tel 1800 303 191
- The National Suicide Research Foundation tel 21 4205551
- The Samaritans tel 01 671 0071
- Turn2Me
- Your Mental Health.
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Websites
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Books
- Depression – The Commonsense Approach – Tony Bates
- Mind Over Mood – Greenberger/Padeskey
- Overcoming Depression – Paul Gilbert
- Depression – Your Questions Answered – Melvyn Lurie
Check the Information Centre Book Shop for availability and a wider selection of books.
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Eating Disorders