Understanding How Depression Can Take Over a Person’s Life

A woman sitting in the dark, against a window hidden by curtains. She is on the floor, holding her head with her two hand, hiding her face, looking depressed.

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Depression can strike without warning, overwhelming an individual with a profound sense of despair that affects every aspect of life. It can descend suddenly, even after periods of stability, leaving a person feeling trapped and hopeless. This emotional state may manifest as frequent crying, intense sadness, and a loss of interest in daily activities. Simple tasks, such as taking a shower or making a cup of tea, can become insurmountable, leading to withdrawal from loved ones and increased isolation.

The Physical, Emotional, and Cognitive Impact of Depression

Depression affects people physically, emotionally, and cognitively, creating a vicious cycle that is difficult to break. For example, when someone feels low in mood or hopeless, they may lack the motivation to get out of bed or engage in physical activity. This inactivity leads to lethargy and a sense of heaviness, which, in turn, deepens the feelings of sadness and tiredness. As these symptoms feed into each other, the cycle continues, making the individual feel even more trapped and helpless.

Triggers and Causes of Depression

The onset of depression is often linked to significant life changes or stressors, such as the loss of a loved one, financial difficulties, or major life transitions. However, depression can also arise without a clear cause, highlighting the complexity of the condition. The interconnected nature of emotional, physical, and cognitive symptoms can make it difficult to separate one aspect from another, further complicating the individual’s experience.

Image of a person with crunched up papers representing messy thoughts, anxiety and depression

The Role of Support in Managing Depression

Family members and friends may try to offer support, but their well-meaning efforts can sometimes feel ineffective or frustrating to the person experiencing depression. The desire to “fix” the situation underscores the complexity of depression, which often does not respond to simple solutions or advice.

Recognising the Universality of Depression

This understanding of depression serves as a powerful reminder that it can affect anyone, regardless of their previous resilience or ability to cope with challenges. It illustrates the importance of self-care and ongoing reflection on one’s mental and emotional health. Recognising how depression intertwines various aspects of well-being can lead to more effective support and empathy for those who are struggling, fostering a more informed and compassionate approach to treatment.

Are These Factors Contributing to Your Depression?

• Do you feel isolated or lack a support network?

• Are you experiencing relationship problems?

• Are financial difficulties causing you stress?

• Are you dealing with ongoing health problems?

• Is there a history of depression in your family?

• Are you struggling with alcohol or drug abuse, or another form of addiction?

• Have you experienced trauma or difficulties in the past, including abuse?

• Have you recently undergone a significant hormonal change, such as after giving birth? (e.g., Postnatal Depression & Baby Blues)

Reflecting on these questions in therapy can help you identify potential factors contributing to your feelings of depression.

A young man sitting on a couch, looking anxious and talking to his therapist

How Therapy Can Help Manage Depression

Therapy can be an effective way to understand the underlying causes of your depression and develop strategies to manage it. Through therapy you can gain insight into your specific triggers and learn how to approach and cope with them. 

Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) may also be incorporated if it feels appropriate, providing practical tools to break the vicious cycle of depression. That said, CBT can form part of an integrative approach, as there is no one-size-fits-all solution, and your well-being is the priority.

Medication and Therapy: Finding the Right Balance

It is important to note that many people who seek therapy for depression may also choose to be on anti-depressants. What works for one person may not work for another, so it is crucial to find the right approach for you. 

Some individuals prefer to avoid medication, while others find that anti-depressants help to reduce their symptoms enough to engage more fully in therapy. In some cases, medication alone may be sufficient to alleviate symptoms; however, the therapeutic process can target the underlying factors of your distress and offer a more long-term solution.

If you are feeling suicidal

If you are feeling suicidal, it is important to understand that the overwhelming and seemingly permanent feelings of despair can begin to shift with the right help. Suicidal thoughts can feel frequent and consuming, but reaching out for support can mark the beginning of change. 

Talking to someone you trust, such as a friend, family member, or your GP, can be a crucial step. Your GP can address both your mental and physical health, discussing options like therapy, CBT, or medication if appropriate.

For non-urgent emotional and mental health support, please also contact your GP or use this link: Find an Urgent Mental Health Helpline.

For urgent crisis and emergency care services, please telephone 999.

If you prefer, you can speak with a faith leader or contact the Samaritans, who are available 24/7 at 116 123 or online at www.samaritans.org. If writing feels more comfortable, you can email your thoughts to [email protected].

If you are in France, similar support is available through SOS Suicide (01 45 39 40 00) and SOS Help (01 46 21 46 46).

If you are concerned about someone who may be suicidal, it is important to talk to them. While it may feel difficult, listening without judgment and directing them to the right resources can make a significant difference.

Men, in particular, may find it challenging to express their feelings. CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) offers support specifically for young men struggling with depression. They can be reached at 0800 58 58 58 or through their website.

For further information on coping with suicidal thoughts, signs of depression, and mental health resources, you can visit helpful organisations like Mind or the Help Guide, which offer detailed advice on managing these feelings and finding the right support.

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