What is adult depression?

Depression is a mood disorder that is somewhat different to feeling sad and can vary between people. Often, those who are affected by depression feel low, flat or ‘empty’ with these feelings lasting for two weeks or longer.  

 

Depression is often accompanied by other symptoms, such as loss of appetite, trouble sleeping, or feeling very tired and demotivated. People will usually have many negative thoughts about themselves and things going on around them. They might also find that they are less interested in what they used to enjoy. Others might experience more of a ‘grumpy’ or irritable mood.

 

On occasion, people might notice they experience thoughts about ending their life, or harming themselves. Whilst some degree of suicidal thoughts can be a common experience in depression, it is always important to seek help if you feel this way – emergency or crisis support is available 24/7, from either your GP, Calling NHS 111 or by calling the Samaritans on 116123 (a freephone number).

 

Depression impacts people of all ages, including young adults, and can last a long time if left untreated. It is a condition that can also come and go.

 

 

 

When to seek treatment for adult depression

 

You should consider treatment for your depression when:

 

You feel low in mood for some time or feel uninterested in life.

 

You are low in confidence, have a negative view of yourself.

 

You are struggling with the very real physical aspects of depression, for example, feeling like you have no appetite, or are much hungrier than usual, or finding that you are waking early in the morning or struggling to get to sleep at all.

 

You are finding it difficult to motivate yourself to do things that use to come readily.

 

You feel ‘flat’, or empty, or more ‘emotional’ than usual (this could be feeling more tearful, or irritable).

 

 

 

What are the symptoms of depression?

 

Depression in adults and young adults can manifest in a range of symptoms that can last for weeks and months. Individuals with depression might experience a variety of psychological, physical, and social symptoms that can have an impact on their social life, family life, and work life.

 

 

 

 Psychological symptoms of depression

 

Psychological symptoms of depression include: 

 

 

 

Feeling low in confidence

 

Viewing yourself negatively

 

Having a lack of motivation

 

Experiencing a lack of interest in things

 

Feeling flat, empty, and experiencing low moods

 

Feeling more emotional, tearful, and irritable than usual

 

Finding it difficult to make decisions

 

Experiencing worry and anxiety

 

Having suicidal thoughts or thoughts about harming yourself 

 

 

 

 

 

It is important that you seek emergency crisis support if you are feeling suicidal. If you feel this way, please call Samaritans on 116123, NHS 111, or call 999.