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This term is used, and often over-used, in our everyday
conversation to describe a normal down pattern in our
mood or on the way we feel.
Such feelings may be adaptive or a way of helping us
to cope and readjust.
However, if such negative feelings become more prolonged
then problems may arise which make it difficult for
the individual to cope with his or her normal everyday
life.
The person may dwell on negative thoughts or unpleasant
themes. Feelings of irritability or anger are common.
If the depression deepens, then further changes are
likely to occur. These may be emotional, such as feelings
of hopelessness and despair, changes in thinking patterns,
loss of memory or difficulties in concentration, changes
in behaviour such as a reduced interest in work or social
activities or changes in the body such as problems with
eating, sleeping or loss of energy. Since depression
can take many forms, there are a variety of ways of
helping people to cope with it and overcome it. The
majority of people will overcome their depression completely
– for those for whom it is a long-term condition,
there are still ways of helping them lead full and productive
lives.
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