Depressed - R U OK

12 Sep 2012: Tomorrow (Thursday 13th September) is R U OK? Day. Statistics show that talking about suicide can prevent it from happening. Asking if someone is OK? Is great. Its also ok to say “No, I'm not” as a response.

Depression is something we go through from time to time which can sometimes lead to suicide. It can feel like a low mood or in some cases it can really hinder your functioning in every day life. Depression can stem from a hormonal imbalance or from a negative experience. Looking for employment can bring on depression due to rejection from being laid off work and not getting a new job for a while. Not having a job can cause loneliness which can also lead to depression.

You may have feelings of helplessness and hopelessness, loss of interest in daily activities, appetite or weight changes. (weight loss or weight gain), sleep changes. (oversleeping, insomnia or waking up in the early hour of the morning), feeling agitated, restless, or even violent, loss of energy, Self-loathing, reckless behaviour, concentration problems and/or unexplained aches and pains. These may be symptoms of depression and you should go see your General Practitioner and have a chat about how you are feeling.

Depression is nothing to be ashamed of. It is important to ask for help and not do it alone as you are more likely to recover when your family and friends know what you are going through and how they may be able to support you.

Making healthy lifestyle changes can be really beneficial when feeling depressed. Although these may feel like the last thing you want to do these changes can be very effective. Healthy lifestyle changes may include: working at supportive relationships, getting regular exercise and sleep, eating health food that will boost mood, managing your stress, practicing relaxation techniques and challenging your negative thought patterns