What depression is
Depression is more than sadness or a bad week. It is a persistent low mood or loss of interest that lasts for at least two weeks and affects how you think, sleep, eat, work and relate to the people around you. It is a health condition, not a weakness or a character flaw, and it responds well to the right care.
Common symptoms of depression
- A low, empty or hopeless mood most of the day, nearly every day
- Losing interest or pleasure in things you used to enjoy
- Sleeping much more or much less than usual
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Constant tiredness and low energy
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt
- Moving or speaking more slowly, or feeling restless
- Thoughts that life is not worth living
If you are having thoughts of ending your life, please read our crisis support page or call the SADAG Suicide Crisis Helpline on 0800 567 567 now.
What causes depression
There is rarely a single cause. Depression usually develops from a combination of factors:
- Prolonged stress or burnout at work, at home or in a caring role
- Loss and life changes such as bereavement, divorce or retrenchment
- Trauma, past or recent
- Family history and biological factors
- Physical illness, chronic pain or hormonal changes
- Alcohol and substance use, which often worsen low mood
Depression and burnout
Burnout and depression often overlap. Burnout is tied to a specific source of pressure, while depression tends to colour every part of life. Read more in emotional burnout vs depression.
How depression is treated
- Assessment: understanding your symptoms, history and what level of support you need
- Therapy: individual and group work to change the patterns that keep low mood going
- Psychiatric review: where medication may help, prescribed and monitored by a doctor
- Daily structure: sleep, nutrition, movement and routine, which all support mood
- Aftercare: ongoing support so progress holds once formal treatment ends
Residential or outpatient care
Outpatient care suits people who can keep up with daily life but need professional support. Residential care suits people who are struggling to function, are not safe at home, or have not improved with outpatient help. Our mental health treatment and programmes pages explain both options.
Getting help
You do not need to wait until things are unbearable. Contact our admissions team at admissions@theorientwellness.org for a confidential conversation, or see how admission works.