Coping Under Quarantine: Depression

What causes depression?

A single cause for depression is yet to be found. Typically, there is an accumulation of reasons and this can differ from person to person. Life can be hard sometimes, especially during this pandemic where people are trying to come to terms with bereavements, job losses and the loneliness of isolation. Even though these are all factors that can contribute to becoming depressed, some people can be more vulnerable to depression due to family history of mental illnesses, early experiences, personality factors or body chemistry, and sometimes, there are no obvious reasons at all.

Low moods from time to time are very common, and it would be more unusual if we weren’t to experience these at some point in our lives given all the different factors that can contribute to this; however, it becomes more severe when depression develops. There are a few things that may cause this, such as changes in body chemistry and energy levels which lead to a lack of interest and enjoyment, which then turns to withdrawing from activities both physically and mentally. By withdrawing and not participating in things that you enjoy and value, your mood will drop even more.

Regardless of the cause, there is something that can help in all situations, but just like the cause, the treatment can vary from person to person. You might need changes in your life, whereas someone else might need medication or therapy. Depression can be very complex and really does vary from person to person.  You can read more in-depth about research done into depression via the link to the self-help booklet we have composed for you below.

What treatment is available?

Depression is often treated by a GP; however, the doctor may suggest self-help (like this blog and booklet), a talking therapy, medication or a mixture of all three. If you are suffering, you may be seen by your GP, or your GP may refer you to a specialist; either a psychological therapist, counsellor, psychiatrist or other mental health workers.

The most common form of talking therapies are usually counselling or cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), although sometimes other therapies can be offered. Whichever therapy is suggested for you will allow you to begin to understand your own difficulties and start to figure out ways over managing and overcoming depression.

Antidepressants and other medication can sometimes be prescribed your GP or a psychiatrist. The results show that they have been helpful for many people suffering from depression to manage and overcome their depression. Antidepressants help you to feel less depressed by working on chemicals in the brain, and they are not addictive therefore once you begin to feel better and you have spoken and planned with your doctor, you can stop taking them – but ONLY if advised to do so. This shouldn’t cause you any problems and often your doctor will gradually adjust your dose both ways to whichever will help. You can find more information about antidepressants in our booklet below.

Gloomy & depressive thoughts

The best way to describe gloomy thoughts would be to redirect you to the diagram at the very top of the blog. When you are feeling low, gloomy thoughts may become so familiar and happen so often that you don’t even acknowledge that they are there and accept them as fact. Gloomy thoughts are often about yourself, your future and the world around you. An important thing to note is that most people have thoughts of these sort at some point during their lives even when they aren’t depressed.

The difference is that they are able to dismiss them from their mind whereas depressed people struggle with this. We explore negative thoughts in more detail in the booklet linked below, including techniques you can utilise to try and begin to change your thoughts.