Depression is more than simply feeling unhappy or fed up for a few days. We all go through spells of feeling down, but when you're depressed you feel constantly sad for weeks or months, rather than just a few days. Depression is a real illness with real symptoms, and it's not something you can "snap out of" by "pulling yourself together". Depression affects people in different ways and can cause a wide variety of symptoms.
Many factors may contribute to the development and maintenance of depression, including genetic characteristics, changes in hormone levels, certain medical illnesses, stress, grief, substance abuse and negative relationships with friends and/or family. Any of these factors alone or in combination can bring about the specific changes in the brain chemistry that leads to the many symptoms of depression.
Depression commonly affects your thoughts, your emotions, your behaviours and your overall physical health.
Feelings:
Thoughts:
Behaviours:
Physical problems:
The severity of the symptoms can vary. At its mildest, you may simply feel constantly low in spirit, while at its most severe depression can make you feel suicidal and that life is no longer worth living.
ASSESMENT
When you come to CAMHS, your therapist will ask you questions about your life to get a better understanding of what makes you feel depressed and how to help you feel better.
TREATMENT
The good news is that with the right treatment and support, most people can make a full recovery.
Talk to someone – The most important thing you can do if you think you are feeling depressed is talk to someone. This could be your parents, a sibling, friend, teacher, GP but often talking about how you are feeling can really help you to feel better.
Keep Healthy- Try to eat healthily and do some physical activity as these can help release chemicals in the brain that improve mood. Be kind to yourself so allow time for activities with other people as this will keep you connected with people and distracted from negative thoughts and stress.
There is good quality evidence that shows that an effective treatment for depression is a talking therapy called cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which aims to help you understand your thoughts, feelings and behavior. (LINK to talking therapies page). Your therapist will discuss other types of therapy and potentially medication, depending on what would be best for you.
My experience of Depression
"I was 15. They took me to see the doctor because they thought I was a bit down and I had started cutting. I hadn’t noticed much, cutting made me feel better and I just felt they were having a bit of a go really. It was only when I started to talk more, that I started to realise how much I had changed, I used to be happy, not all the time, but I couldn’t now - not like I used to.
I was falling out with my teachers - they said I wasn’t getting on with work and it made me cross. I was trying but I just couldn’t get on with it not like I did in year 8 and 9. The doctor said it could be my concentration. I hadn’t thought of that I just thought I was thick.
Then when he asked about other things, I started to see, I couldn’t sleep properly and didn’t feel like going out to play football anymore. I said it was just boring, but as I started to feel better, I did play again and I think saying it was boring was all part of my depression. That was the same with my family, I mean you don’t get on all time do you and they are still a pain sometimes now, but when I was depressed it was like we were always arguing, I just couldn’t talk to them and they just wound me up.
It wasn’t till they talked to me and things started to change, that was when I looked back and realised how depressed I was."
Sarah’s story was produced by the Royal College of Psychiatrists http://www.rcpsych.ac.uk
FURTHER INFORMATION
Royal college of psychiatrists- provides information about depression in young people
Campaign against living miserable - A campaign and charity targeting young men with a helpline, magazine and online community, but CALM listens to anyone who needs help or support.
ChildLine - Provides a free and confidential telephone service for children. Helpline: 0800 1111.
Depression Alliance - Help and information about depression; depression symptoms and self help groups.
Epic friends - Mental health problems are common. This website is all about helping you to help your friends who might be struggling emotionally.
YoungMinds - Provides information and advice on child mental health issues. YoungMinds have also developed HeadMeds which gives young people in England general information about medication. HeadMeds does not give you medical advice. Please talk to your Doctor or anyone else who is supporting you about your own situation because everyone is different.
Rethink Mental Illness - Mental health charity helping people with mental health problems and have a section for young people.