Everyone feels sad sometimes. Depression is different: it lasts, it affects how you think, sleep and cope with daily life, and it doesn’t simply lift when something good happens. The good news is that depression is common, it is not a weakness, and it is treatable.
Sadness or depression?
Sadness
- Usually linked to a clear reason, like a loss or a disappointment
- Comes and goes; good moments still feel good
- Eases over days as life moves on
- You can still manage work, studies and home
Depression
- Low mood or loss of interest on most days, for two weeks or more
- Things you used to enjoy feel flat or pointless
- Sleep, appetite, energy and concentration change
- Daily tasks start to feel very hard, or you stop doing them
Common signs of depression
You don’t need all of these. Doctors look at how many are present, how long they have lasted and how much they affect your life.
- Feeling sad, empty or hopeless most of the day
- Losing interest or pleasure in things
- Sleeping much less, or much more, than usual
- Feeling tired all the time, even after rest
- Eating much less or much more; weight change
- Finding it hard to concentrate or make decisions
- Feeling worthless, guilty or like a burden
- Moving or speaking more slowly, or feeling restless
- Thoughts that life isn’t worth living, or of harming yourself
Depression can show up in the body too
Many people first notice depression as physical complaints: body aches, headaches, heaviness, a “burning” feeling, weakness, or tiredness that tests can’t explain. These symptoms are real. If you keep visiting doctors for aches that don’t improve, it is worth asking whether stress or depression might be part of the picture.
What causes it?
There is rarely a single cause. Depression usually comes from a mix of things: changes in how the brain handles mood and stress, family history, long-term stress, difficult life events, physical illness, some medicines, and alcohol or drug use. It is not caused by weakness, laziness or a lack of willpower, and it is nobody’s fault.
Is it treatable?
Yes. Most people with depression get better with treatment. Depending on how severe it is, a doctor may suggest:
- Talking therapy, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), with a psychologist or counsellor
- Medicines (antidepressants) prescribed by a psychiatrist or doctor. Modern antidepressants are not addictive. They usually take 2–4 weeks to start helping, and should be stopped only with your doctor’s advice
- Both together, which works best for many people with moderate or severe depression
- Everyday steps that support recovery: regular sleep, physical activity, daylight, routine, and staying in touch with people
When to get help
See a doctor if low mood has lasted more than two weeks, or if it is affecting your work, studies, relationships or ability to look after yourself. You don’t need to wait until it is “bad enough”.
Get help today if you are thinking about ending your life or harming yourself. Call Tele-MANAS on 14416 (free, 24 hours) or 112 in an emergency, or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
If someone you love seems depressed
- Tell them what you’ve noticed, gently and without blame
- Listen more than you advise. “I’m here” helps more than “cheer up”
- Offer practical help: go with them to the doctor, help with a task
- Ask directly if they’ve had thoughts of suicide. Asking does not put the idea in someone’s head; it helps them feel safe to talk
- Look after yourself too