Eeyore is a favourite amongst most admirers of Winnie the Pooh characters and he is an unbelievably lovable donkey who is dismally gloomy for almost eternity. Depression may be described as feeling sad, blue, unhappy, miserable, or down in the dumps. Most of us feel this way at one time or another for short periods. True clinical depression is a mood disorder in which feelings of sadness, loss, anger, or frustration interfere with everyday life for weeks or longer.
Researchers believe it is caused by chemical changes in the brain due to a problem with the genes, or triggered by stressful events. Symptoms include...
- Agitation, restlessness, and irritability
- Dramatic change in appetite, often with weight gain or loss
- Very difficult to concentrate
- Fatigue and lack of energy
- Feelings of hopelessness and helplessness
- Feelings of worthlessness, self-hate, and guilt
- Becoming withdrawn or isolated
- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities that were once enjoyed
- Thoughts of death or suicide
- Trouble sleeping or excessive sleeping
Treatments
- Wait and see
- Exercise
- Self help groups
- Talking therapy
- Antidepressants
- Mental health teams
