Depression is an extremely serious condition, affecting millions worldwide. There are many different definitions of depression, there is one incredibly disturbing forecast from the World Health Organisation(WHO):

Depression is the leading cause of disability as measured by YLDs and the 4th  leading contributor to the global burden of disease (DALYs) in 2000. By the year 2020, depression is projected to reach 2nd place of the ranking of DALYs calcuated for all ages, both sexes. Today, depression is already the 2nd cause of DALYs in the age category 15-44 years for both sexes combined.

That’s seriously alarming! And concerning to all. Depression never just affects the sufferer. The families, friends, employers, partners and others normally get drawn in and are actively impacted by a persons depression. It really is a major issue for the community at large and despite significant gains in destigmatisation and greater awareness of the details and prevalence of depression, many millions still suffer in silence and shame deeply afraid about reaching out and telling others about what is going on for them on the inside. Fearing judgment, condemnation and rejection, prospects a  depressed person – already battling crippling low self esteem and image -  cannot potentially handle, so therefore protection in silence becomes so common.

Depression is huge and ever growing. It’s most likely you who are reading this or at least a family member would have been through a major depressive episode at least once. If this isn’t then case somehow you are bucking overwhelming statistical evidence!

‘Depression’ as a medical condition is an umbrella term encompassing many types and subtypes. It’s important to understand that effective treatment is made effective by an accurate diagnosis. ‘Major depression’ is an unfortunate term which many people are lumped into simply and cheaply. The Black Dog Institute has an excellent series on differentiating types of depression, highly recommended and reinforces the important fact that getting a ‘one size fits all’ attitude of treatment is often negligent and detrimental for effective treatment:

Black Dog Depression Education Program

Do I have depression?

To detect a depressed mood, clinicians at the Black Dog Institute say to look for the following signs:

• Lowered self-esteem (or self-worth)
• Change in sleep patterns, that is, insomnia or broken sleep
• Changes in appetite or weight
• Less ability to control emotions such as pessimism, anger, guilt, irritability and anxiety
• Varying emotions throughout the day, for example, feeling worse in the morning and better as the day progresses
• Reduced capacity to experience pleasure – you can’t enjoy what’s happening now, nor look forward to anything with pleasure. Hobbies and interests drop off.
• Reduced pain tolerance – you are less able to tolerate aches and pains and may have a host of new ailments
• Changed sex drive – absent or reduced
• Poor concentration and memory – some people are so impaired they think they are demented
• Reduced motivation – it doesn’t seem worth the effort to do anything, things seem meaningless
• Lowered energy levels.

Here are some good screening tools for depression. Remember be sensible, if results indicate a problem seek medical help for treatment. How I Beat Depression is not about diagnosis or imparting medical treatment. It’s about putting positive and uplifting stories on the net to inspire people and impart hope although it is still important to link to wider resources,

Goldberg Depression Questionnaire

Black Dog Institute Bi-Polar screening assessment (for Bi-Polar)