What next?
Summary
• Depression is a biological disorder that is made worse by life stress.
• Depression has characteristic symptoms that affect a person's thoughts, feelings, and everyday functioning.
• Antidepressant drugs help relieve some of the symptoms but take time to work.
• You and your friends and family can help overcome depression by keeping busy, avoiding negative thinking, solving problems, and reducing stress.Depression is a biological disorder that is made worse by life stress.
Keeping a record of progress
Decide how much you experience each of the following problems. If you have other problems, write them down at the end of the list.
| Problem | Not at all | Mild | Moderate | Severe |
|---|
Feelings of sadness
Loss of interest or pleasure in things you used to enjoy
Lack of energy / tiredness
Poor/disturbed sleep
Putting on/losing weight
Poor concentration / forgetfulness
Sowness
Restlessness
Reduced interest in sex
Physical aches/pains
Believing that you are no good
Feelings of hopelessness
Thoughts of harming oneself (death)
Feelings of guilt/self blame
Other problems
You can check your progress by looking back at your answers every couple of weeks.
How to avoid recurrence of depression
• It is very important that you follow your doctor's advice
• Take your medication as directed without skipping any days
• Never reduce or stop taking medication without first talking to your doctor
• If you have stopped doing things you used to do, gradually increase what you do and include activities you enjoy
• Use the problem solving approach to deal with problems, stresses and worries
• Work on identifying your negative thoughts and changing them to positive ones.
Assess your symptoms regularly and consult your doctor and/or counsellor if you have any problem.
FINALLY
• Doing the exercises when you are depressed can be difficult
• It might be useful to work through them with a trusted friend or family member.
• If you need extra help you can always talk to your doctor and/or your counsellor.
