Depression is more than just feeling sad. It is a mood disorder that leaves you feeling down most of the time and makes it hard to cope with day-to-day life. Activities you usually enjoy may no longer bring pleasure, and even simple tasks can feel overwhelming.
In Ireland, it is estimated that around 150,000 people each year are living with severe depression
If you are living with severe depression, it can feel isolating and difficult to talk about your feelings. You may worry that others won’t understand, or that they will judge you. Remember — you are not alone. Depression is far more common than most people realise, and it is treatable.
Understanding Depression
It’s normal to experience mood swings, feel sensitive, or struggle with motivation from time to time. However, these feelings usually pass after a few days. Depression is different. It is a persistent and severe state that can affect your ability to function, impacting your psychological, physical, and social wellbeing.
Depression can affect anyone and may be influenced by:
Genetics, hormones, or chemical changes in the brain
Personal history and life experiences
Significant life events, such as work or financial stress, exams, relationship changes, family conflict, or issues around identity or sexual orientation
The good news is that with the right care and support, most people with depression make a full recovery and go on to live fulfilling lives.
Signs and Symptoms
Depression can be hard to see from the outside, and it affects people in different ways. Symptoms may include:
Persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or emptiness
Loss of interest or pleasure in everyday activities or hobbies
Sleep difficulties — trouble falling asleep, waking early, or feeling excessively tired
Changes in appetite — reduced or increased appetite, weight loss or gain
Physical symptoms such as headaches or muscle aches
Recurrent thoughts of death, suicide, or self-harm
If you are experiencing thoughts of self-harm or suicide and are in immediate danger, please contact emergency services by calling 999 in Ireland or 112 anywhere in Europe.
A diagnosis of depression is typically considered when five or more of these symptoms persist for more than two weeks.
Treatment and Support
Once you receive the right diagnosis and your individual needs are assessed, recovery from depression can begin within weeks.
Steps to Getting Help
Speak to your GP – Your GP can guide you, and may refer you to community mental health services or inpatient care if needed.
Consider psychological therapies – Evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) or Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) can help you manage negative thoughts and develop coping strategies.
Self-help and lifestyle approaches – Practices like mindfulness, maintaining routine, regular exercise, and a balanced diet can support your wellbeing.
Medication – In some cases, antidepressant medication may be recommended to help manage symptoms.
Real-Life Story: Maya’s Journey to Recovery
Maya (not her real name), a 15-year-old living in Dublin, had been feeling persistently low for about a year. She had difficulty sleeping, struggled with motivation for schoolwork, and withdrew from friends and hobbies she used to enjoy. Everyday tasks like getting out of bed or attending classes felt overwhelming.
After speaking with her GP, Maya was referred for a psychological assessment at BetterCare and began a treatment plan tailored to her needs. She attended regular therapy sessions combining CBT and person-centred approaches, practiced mindfulness exercises, and gradually reintroduced small daily routines, such as attending school regularly and participating in a hobby she enjoyed.
Within a few months, Maya began noticing improvements. Her sleep patterns stabilised, she reconnected with friends, regained interest in her hobbies, and felt more confident discussing her feelings with her parents and therapist. Maya’s story shows that with the right support and treatment, recovery from depression is possible, even when it initially feels overwhelming.
How to Support Yourself
Talk about your feelings – Sharing your thoughts with someone you trust can help relieve the emotional burden.
Stay active – Exercise, walks, or daily routines can improve physical health and sleep, and provide a sense of normalcy.
Eat well – Even if your appetite is low, a balanced diet with fruits and vegetables can improve energy and mood.
Challenge negative thoughts – Depression often distorts our thinking. Writing down negative thoughts and examining them objectively can help you develop more balanced perspectives.
Remember, depression is a real, treatable condition, and reaching out for support is a sign of strength, not weakness.
References
CSO, Irish Health Survey 2015
CSO, Irish Health Survey 2015. “All persons aged 15 years and over classified by mental health status in previous two weeks, 2015.” Estimated 150,000 people with major depressive disorder (MDD) in Ireland. Link
Ipsos MRBI
Ipsos MRBI, Patient research on major depressive disorder, 2nd Oct – 3rd Nov 2020, on behalf of Janssen Sciences Ireland.
One Response