What Is Depression?
We all have days when we feel a bit down or out of sorts. Maybe you had a rough week at work, or things just aren’t going your way. But depression is something else entirely—it’s a heavy, persistent feeling that weighs on you, day in and day out. It’s not just sadness or feeling a bit off; it’s a condition that can completely take over how you think, feel, and go about your day.
Depression can show up in different ways. For some, it’s an overwhelming sadness. For others, it’s irritability or feeling disconnected from the world around them. You might find that things you used to enjoy no longer interest you. You might be exhausted all the time or have trouble concentrating. The tricky thing about depression is that it can look different for everyone.
Let’s think about Sarah, a young professional who always loved spending time with friends and being out and about. But lately, she’s found herself staying home more, not really wanting to see anyone. She doesn’t enjoy her hobbies anymore and struggles to get out of bed some mornings. Her friends think she’s just going through a phase, but Sarah feels lost. What she’s dealing with isn’t just a bad mood; it’s depression.
According to the World Health Organization, depression is one of the leading causes of disability around the world. Here in Ireland, it’s estimated that about one in ten people will experience depression at some point, based on data from the Health Service Executive. That’s a significant number of people, but the important thing to remember is that depression is treatable, and help is available.
How to Get Help for Depression
So how do you know if what you’re feeling is more than just a rough patch? If you’ve been feeling low, hopeless, or like you can’t enjoy life for a couple of weeks or more, it could be time to seek help. Some other signs might include changes in your appetite, trouble sleeping, or feeling like you just can’t shake the sadness.
It’s easy to feel like you should just “snap out of it,” but depression isn’t something you can will away. The good news is, people are becoming more open about mental health, and there’s less stigma now around seeking help than there was in the past. In Ireland, there’s the Your Mental Health campaign by the HSE, and in the UK, the Time to Talk initiative by Mind UK, both encouraging people to reach out and talk about what they’re going through.
John, a man in his forties, spent years convincing himself he just needed to tough it out. He didn’t want to bother anyone with his problems, and he was sure people would think he was being dramatic. But after struggling to keep up with his daily life, he finally decided to talk to his GP. Looking back, he wishes he had done it sooner—it was the first step towards feeling like himself again.
Where to Get Help for Depression in Ireland and the UK
The first step in getting help for depression is often talking to your GP. It can feel a bit nerve-wracking, but GPs are trained to listen and help you figure out the best way forward. They might suggest talking therapy, medication, or a combination of both, depending on your symptoms. In Ireland, you can access public mental health services through the HSE, and in the UK, similar services are available through the NHS.
There are also immediate resources you can reach out to if you’re in need of urgent support:
- Samaritans Ireland: This helpline is open to anyone who needs someone to talk to.
- Pieta House: They offer free therapy for people who are feeling suicidal or self-harming.
- AWARE: AWARE provides support groups and information specifically around depression and related mental health issues.
When Sarah finally reached out to her GP, she was relieved. She was referred to a local mental health service, and while it wasn’t easy at first, she eventually began opening up in therapy. For the first time in a long time, she felt like she was taking control of her mental health.
What Therapies Are Available for Depression?
There are many different ways to treat depression, and what works for one person might not work for another. One of the most well-known and effective therapies for depression is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). CBT helps you look at your thought patterns and see how they might be contributing to how you feel. By changing the way you think, you can start to change the way you feel.
There are other types of therapy too:
- Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): This type of therapy focuses on relationships and how they affect your mental health.
- Mindfulness-Based Therapy: This helps you stay present and avoid getting caught up in negative thoughts.
- Group Therapy: Sometimes, being around others who are going through something similar can be really helpful.
In some cases, medication might be recommended to help manage depression, especially if the symptoms are severe. Antidepressants work by balancing chemicals in the brain, and many people find them helpful alongside therapy. Your GP or psychiatrist will work with you to decide if medication is right for you.
John found CBT to be really helpful in understanding why he was feeling the way he was. For him, a combination of therapy and medication gave him the strength to move forward. He now feels like he’s on a path to managing his depression rather than letting it control him.
How Dr. Elaine Ryan Can Help
With 20 years of experience helping people with depression, anxiety, OCD, and panic disorder, I, offer therapy in Dublin and online across Ireland. I’ve worked with people from all walks of life, and I know that no two people are the same. That’s why I take a tailored approach to each client, focusing on what they need and what will work best for them.
I use a combination of therapies, including CBT, mindfulness, and psychoeducation, to help people understand their depression and learn how to manage it. I’m here to offer support and guidance, no matter where you are in your journey. You don’t have to go through this alone—together, we can figure out the best steps forward for you.
Personal Approach: Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed by sadness or stuck in negative thoughts, I can help you find a way through. My goal is to provide you with the tools you need to feel more in control of your life and your mental health.
Conclusion: Taking the First Step
Depression can feel like an impossible mountain to climb, but the important thing to remember is that you don’t have to climb it alone. There are people, professionals, and services ready to support you through every step of the way. If you’ve been feeling like something isn’t right for a while, consider talking to your GP, reaching out to a helpline, or booking an appointment with a mental health professional.
Getting help is the first step towards feeling better, and you deserve that help.
References
- World Health Organization on Depression
- Health Service Executive Mental Health Services
- National Health Service Depression Guidelines
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) Guidelines for Depression