Are you worried that you might have depression? You’re not alone. In fact, data from the World Health Organisation in 2023 claimed that 280 million people across the world are suffering from depression.
Although it can affect some people very mildly and their daily life may not be significantly impacted, many are heavily affected by depression can experience suicidal ideation so it is vitally important to be aware of the symptoms and to seek help if you suspect you (or someone you may know) could have this surprisingly common mental health condition.
Do you have depression?
Or are you just feeling low? What’s the difference? It’s not unusual to feel low – especially when life is tough, or you have had a sad, stressful or traumatic experience such as the death of a loved one. But there is a difference between feeling low and being depressed. If you’re feeling low, this will generally improve after a few weeks. However, if you have been feeling low for more than two weeks and it also correlates with other symptoms (which we will take a look at shortly) then you may not just be feeling low – there is a chance you could be depressed.
It’s possible for people of any age, sex or race to be diagnosed with depression; it does not discriminate and affects a large proportion of individuals both in the UK and across the world.
What are the symptoms of depression to look out for?
Despite popular belief, depression doesn’t just impact the brain, it can have both a physical and emotional impact. Want to understand how to recognise depression?
Physically you may find that you have a reduced appetite or even an increased appetite that leads to weight fluctuations. It is common for individuals with depression to also notice physical aches and pains without any obvious cause. You may also have trouble remembering things, focusing, and feeling restless. You might even find that your sleep is changing – that you are either sleeping a lot more than normal, really struggling to get to sleep or stay asleep.
Emotionally, you may feel withdrawn and find yourself avoiding socialising. Many individuals describe themselves as feeling empty and numb, having feelings of hopelessness, guilt, and worthlessness. You may find yourself feeling frustrated and getting agitated more quickly than normal. Many people with depression also report that they have feelings of low self-esteem and confidence.
These are just a few examples of how you could feel if you have depression. It is important to remember that everyone’s experience is individual to them but the above are some of the most commonly reported signs so it makes sense to familiarise yourself with these if you have concerns about your mental health.
The PHQ-9 is a basic questionnaire used by healthcare professionals in the UK to ascertain whether an individual is clinically depressed. This is available for free online and you can use this as a tool to help you understand more about your mental health.
Now that we’ve established what depression looks like, let’s take a look at what you can do about it.
What to do when struggling with depression
So you’ve noticed the symptoms starting to affect your daily life? This is the time to seek help and advice. The first – and usually most challenging – step for many individuals to take is acknowledging that something may be wrong. Once you’ve accepted that you may need help, it’s often easier to take the next step.
There are a number of different approaches you can take when struggling. Here are a few suggestions on how to cope with depression:
Make positive lifestyle adjustments
In the first instance you may prefer to make small lifestyle changes to support better mental health. This may include incorporating regular gentle exercise into your daily routine, practising mindfulness and gratitude, being outdoors for a short period of time each day, and even working on your sleep hygiene. Loneliness is a common feeling strongly associated with depression so continuing to make plans to see friends and family can be a really helpful way of feeling more connected.
Seek advice from a professional
A combination of antidepressants and talking therapies, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) are usually the first-line approach to depression treatment. Although some people find these to be helpful, this isn’t the case for everyone; a large proportion of people find that the side effects of antidepressants are too challenging to live with, or that the antidepressants can even make the symptoms worse.
Thankfully, there are medication-free treatment options for depression available in the UK. In particular, repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) – the success rates of which can surpass those of antidepressants, depending on the protocol used. rTMS treatment with this psychiatrist in London is known to produce remission rates three times* higher than the UK rTMS platinum standard (*at the time of writing, according to their website). But how does it work? It selectively alters activity in certain parts of the brain, increasing electrical brain activity between nerve cells in the brain to stimulate the areas that regulate mood. This has been proven to have a positive impact when it comes to treating a number of mental health conditions. rTMS is non-invasive and is not painful. The patient has measurements of their head taken so the magnetic coil can be placed accurately. During treatment the patient relaxes in a comfortable reclined seat for the duration of treatment. Very few side effects have been reported with this treatment.
Taking steps to recovering from depression
Recovery from depression is not only possible, but achievable with the right treatment approach. Depression is a legitimate medical condition that affects millions of people worldwide – there is no shame in experiencing it, and seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
The journey to better mental health looks different for everyone. Whether you start with small lifestyle changes, reach out to a healthcare professional, or explore other treatments like rTMS, the most important step is the first one: recognising that you deserve support and taking action to get it. But remember – recovery is gradual, and setbacks are normal. Be patient with yourself as you navigate this process.
