Depression |
Depression is a real illness with real symptoms, and it's not a sign of weakness. Many of us overuse the word depression as an expression when we’re feeling a little down or sad or even just having a bad day. Mild depression may just affect a person by them feeling persistently low in spirit, At its most severe it can be life-threatening, as they become suicidal as they give up the will to live. There are different forms of depression and depression affects people in different ways . A person can’t "snap out of" by "pulling yourself together". |
The Facts
One in five people will suffer from depression at some point in their
lifetime. It affects men and women, young and old. Depression can also strike children. Studies have shown that about 4% of children aged five to 16 in the UK are affected by depression. Suicides in the UK rose by four per cent in 2013,
figures released by the Office for National Statistics Nationally males are three times more likely to take their own life as females and people aged 40–49 now have the highest suicide rate nationally. The causes for suicide are varied and complex but include mental illness which accounts for 28% of those deaths where a contributory factor was specified by the coroner. Whilst the rate of suicide varies nationally the
general trend is upwards, Gloucestershire is significantly higher
than the national rate. The highest rates are in Gloucester,
Tewkesbury and Cheltenham and theses figures contributes to the high
statistic rate for the Cotswold district, which is also higher than
the national average. Hospital stays for self-harm are significantly
worse in Gloucestershire than thy English average, female more than
male but both going up.
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Being Positive and Caring in the Workplace At sometime a work colleague will suffer depression, hopefully as a Team you have discussed strategies to deal with this effectively and avoid ignoring the situation. What’s going to be supportive? Be positive and caring with your tone and body language, remember we mostly communicate with our tone and body language, depressed people are acutely aware to these non verbal leakages. Offer time and space to talk if possible. Let them know they are valued, provide feedback of something they do well.Praise can be difficult to accept if you are depressed, but it’s helpful, if it’s honest and not overstated. Silent and listen are spelt the same way for a good reason, you need to be silent to listen Empathy letting that person know they are not alone in how they feel. Acknowledge it must be difficult coping with depression. Never rescue, ask them if they are receiving professional help and if not encourage them to access that help. Never make promises, even if you think it’s achievable, don’t over commit, there is nothing worse than being let down especially if you are depressed. Ask them what they need from you, if possible and workable offer a change of role if that’s what they need. Be patient, nothing is going to change overnight, recovery is a slow process. Even their loved ones will get frustrated with them, so be patient you could be the one stable element in their life. Plan a follow up checking out how they are doing? Making a little time for a chat, having a sense of humour, there is nothing worse than people treating you like you have an illness. Be kind, honest, and have a sense of humour. Depression and Humour are both self-generated which means it comes from within, Humour is a great healing tool if used appropriately. Self-help is the best help with depression, and it doesn't matter how many people are supporting an individual, they need to put time and effort into helping themselves as sooner or later you will be alone with your thoughts. Encourage Self-help and Positive Thinking What’s the good thing about depression ? It lets you know something is wrong, sometimes we just need a little help to accept what it is, and adapt our behaviour or do something different. |
Depression |
Possible Physical Symptoms: Difficult to get to sleep, wake up often during the night. Wake up early Sleeps in the day Loss of appetite / over eating Losing weight/ weight gain Looks down Loss of sex drive Sexually active |
Psychological Symptoms: Unhappy, miserable, depressed. Negative about everything Unable to enjoy anything but will try to join in at times. Unable to focus properly Self-condemnation Possible feelings of Guilt More upset at certain times of the day unrealistic outlook of self |
Signs Spends a lot of time in bed during the day, escape problems that way. Under-performing at work if working
Over
sensitive/ snappy
Difficulty in enjoying things Spiteful at times Can't make decisions Starts most conversations with the word “Sorry” Can’t cope with things like they used to Tiredness Restless Weight loss or gain loss of self-confidence Feel useless, inadequate and hopeless Avoiding other people, isolation Fearful Paranoid Complaining Negative Depressing Unusually quiet Unable to talk about things Chats constantly |
The good thing about depression is? it lets you know something is wrong, and you can always do something about it, but you really need honesty, to accept what it is, and adapt your behaviour and do something different. |