Depression

This a very is a common illness, which will affect one in four people at some stage in their lives. Like most other illnesses, it can be treated successfully. Men can get depressed but may find it difficult to talk about their feelings. Depression is a feeling of constant sadness where the person feels unable to cope as they normally do.


	Symptoms
	A general low mood No 'lust for life' Feeling weepy Feelings of guilt No energy No appetite Weight loss Irritability These are just a few of the symptoms. Symptoms vary hugely from case to case. Some people may even experience physical symptoms such as headaches and chest pains.

	Causes
	Bereavement Loneliness Difficulties at work Distressing events Money worries Relationship problems Housing difficulties Employment or redundancy Physical illness A change in lifestyle

	Treatment
	If you feel you may be depressed the first step is to visit your GP and tell them how you feel. Depression is very common, 1 out of 4 adults will feel symptoms of depression at some stage, but most get better without treatment. 3 in 20 adults will have a severe bout of depression and many of these people will have further attacks.

	Recommended web sites
	Depression A leaflet from Patient UK Depression Alliance The leading UK charity for people affected by depression