It may be easier to explain what depression isn’t than what it is.
Depression is not when you’re having a bad day or feeling down or less than enthusiastic about your life. It certainly isn’t the same as sadness or grieving. The reasons for a person becoming depressed are not universal and is often unrelated to a person’s circumstances or daily routines.

Depression is the clinical term for a long-lasting and often persistent mental health condition, that may be caused by genetics and the brains chemistry.

Many people wrongly assume that difficult and traumatic events alone may trigger depression. In many individuals, biochemical processes that are symptomatic of depression occur without identifiable situational causes. These biochemical processes control the neurotransmitters that regulate mood, which can malfunction without an apparent reason, leading to a person becoming depressed.

Research has also found that more than one third of people who struggle with depression don’t seek help at all. So how do you know if you are at risk of having depression? A combination of symptoms lasting more than a week might indicate a mental health condition.

But above everything else, I’m just tired of being so tired” is a sure sign that you would benefit from getting help from a medial paractioner.

Emotional Signs
• Angry outbursts, irritability, or restlessness
• Avoiding friends and activities they you once enjoyed
• Feeling sad, empty, numb, hopeless, helpless, or worthless

Physical Signs
• Changes in energy level (constant tiredness)
• Changes in eating (overeating or eating too little)
• Changes in sleep patterns (sleeping too much or too little)
• Problems with concentration, memory, or ability to think clearly
• Being unable to complete tasks
• Sudden decrease in work performance

Serious Signs
• If you or anyone else exhibits these signs, please contact SADAG on 080 070 8090 immediately
• Thoughts or plans to kill or hurt yourself or others
• Isolation of yourself from friends and family
• Your self care and hygiene has deteriotated
• You find that you are drinking more and may be using drugs regularly

Depression is a big deal and the struggle is real, with the right treatment and support you are able to live a joy filled life. Reach out today!