What is Depression?

It is very normal to have bad days, to feel sad and tired but these symptoms usually go away after a short period of time and can be pinpointed to certain reasons such as the loss of a loved one, or stress at work. Clinical depression can be categorised as long periods of sadness, hopelessness and negative thoughts that last persistently. These symptoms can affect all aspects of a person’s life and interfere with personal and work relationships as well as causing physical symptoms such as loss of appetite, fatigue, headaches and many others. 

Did you read our last blog about who makes a referral to us? Read it here. 

Common symptoms of depression are:

• Persistent sad, anxious or empty mood
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness or helplessness 
• Aches and pains in the body
• Loss of joy in activities such as eating and socialising 
• Changes in sleep habits such as sleeping too much or not sleeping enough 
• Self-neglecting behaviours such as not showering or brushing teeth 
• Brain fog and difficulty with memory 
• Suicidal thoughts/attempts 

Depression can be treated and most individuals make a full recovery with the right help for them. This could be medications, talking therapies or getting support from us here at KMA. A collaborative approach is best to ensure all providers have transparency and the same goals. We often work with individuals who are off work due to depression. We work with the client, their HR and the line manager to ensure rehabilitation is clear for all parties, with both the client’s and their workplace’s needs at the heart of vocational rehabilitation.

If you can relate to the symptoms above, it is important to get help. Speak to your GP to start the process. 

Please remember you are never alone and in case of a mental health emergency please see below: 

• Call 999 in an emergency

• Contact 111 if you need to speak to a medical practitioner

• call Samaritans on 116 123 (UK-wide)

• text SHOUT to 85258 (UK-wide)