Mental Health

Depression affects 1 in 3 of us during a lifetime. There are many reasons including our personality and inherited predisposition. Most often it occurs when we are going though periods of stress especially loss or threats to our lifestyle and future. If you've been feeling "down" for more than a few weeks or are having difficulty functioning in daily life, you may be experiencing more than just the "blues." You may be suffering from clinical depression.

Clinical depression is highly treatable but most people do not seek help when they should - often because they don't know the symptoms, or think their depressive feelings will go away on their own. Sometimes they are embarrassed to talk about how they're feeling. Depression has a biological component - it is not about being a 'wimp' or having to 'pull your socks up'. Modern antidepressants are safe and non- addictive. They work by re-balancing the levels of certain brain chemicals involved in setting mood.

• Low mood, especially in the morning.
• Tearfulness often without apparent reason.
• Poor concentration.
• Disturbed sleep, especially waking early unable to return to sleep
• Change in sex drive.
• Poor self image.
• Loss of confidence.
• Irritability that is out of character.
• Alcohol and drug abuse that is unusual.
• Inability to enjoy usual pleasures like good music, art or games.
• Feeling suicidal and planning how to end your life.
• Tiredness all the time, severe lack of energy or stamina.

Do you need help from your doctor?

Answer 0 - 4 on the scale to each of the following questions - and add them up to help you decide if you should seek help from your doctor.

  0 - None or little of the time
  1 - Some of the time
  2 - Most of the time
  3 - All of the time

Over the past two weeks: -

How often have you been feeling low in energy or slowed down?
How often have you been blaming yourself for things?
How often have you had poor appetite?
How often have you had difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep?
How often have you been feeling hopeless about the future?
How often have you been feeling blue?
How often have you been feeling no interest in things?
How often have you had feelings of worthlessness?

A Total score of 8 or more may indicate you are suffering from depression and you should see your doctor to assess things further.

Information from external sites:

BBC Health Emotional and Mental Health - mental health techniques

This BBC Health Stress Test gives results and further reading on stress, together with strategies to deal with stress.

Self help CCBT website www.livinglifetothefull.com

Herts reach drug and alcohol service 01462 672381

DWP www.dwp.gov.uk 08457 123456

Consumer credit helpline www.cccs.co.uk 01912 602880

Mental health help line number - free advice and telephone support from mental health professionals - out of hours 01438 843322 www.hertspartsft.nhs.uk

Home start 01462 441455 www.home-start.org.uk

Post natal depression - www.netmums.com

The Cognitive Behaviour Therapy Partnership - 08700 670289
http://www.cbt-partnership.org