Depression

Many people have experienced sadness, disappointment, loss or regret at some point in their life. Feeling down from time to time is a normal part of human life. But if these feelings last for a long time or become overwhelming, it can be a sign of depression.

Some of the signs of depression include:

• Feeling numb
  
• Overwhelming sadness
  
• Low self esteem, thinking you are useless or a bad person
  
• Strong, lasting feelings of guilt or shame
  
• Losing interest in things that you used to enjoy
  
• Either sleeping a lot more, or finding it very difficult to sleep
  
• Finding it hard to eat
  
• Finding it hard to do even simple daily activities
  
• Feeling anxious, tense or irritable
  
• Constantly worrying
  
• Thinking that life is pointless
  
• Having thoughts about death or suicide

If you recognise any of these signs, or are concerned that someone you care about is depressed, it is important to get support and advice. Don't keep these feelings bottled up inside. Talk to someone you trust, such as a parent, friend or teacher. You can speak to your GP who can refer you to a counsellor or possibly prescribe medication, or you could get in touch with a counsellor directly at one of the agencies listed in the contacts section.