Depression
Depression is characterised by hopelessness and meaninglessness. Depressed people often evaluate life negatively, self-reproach, have unexpressed anger or aggression, and experience profound sadness and dejection. Lethargy, isolation, and disturbed sleeping and eating are also features. Depression can be mild, moderate, or severe, and last a short or long time. In the UK, depression affects 23 in every 1000 men and 28 in every 1000 women (ONS).
The different types of depression include endogenous, believed to result from a constitutional predisposition, and exogenous (reactive) and post natal depression, both often seen as reactions to life events. A major depressive episode can become a psychosis. Agitated depression can involve a high risk of suicide. Neurotic depression involves guilt, inhibition and anxiety. In the UK, depression with anxiety affects 68 in every 1000 men and 108 in every 1000 women (ONS).
Depression was once known as melancholia. People often use their own words to describe their depressions. Winston Churchill, famously, poignantly, named his depression 'Black Dog'. Former 10 Downing Street Communications Director Alastair Campbell said Winston Churchill might never have become Prime Minister if he was alive today, as current attitudes to mental health are in some ways more discriminatory now than then (Time to Change - A World Without).
Different causes produce the symptom of depression. The cause is believed to be, in psychoanalysis and psychodynamic psychotherapy, unexpressed anger or mourning, or being in touch with the depressing reality of life, and in cognitive behavioural therapy, depressogenic thinking. If you are concerned about a problem do not diagnose yourself. Always consult your GP or a therapist who is qualified to both diagnose the issue and help you work through it.
Articles on Depression
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About Depression and Therapy
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