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Recognising depression
How would you know if your best friend was depressed?
The following information was written by young people for the Journal project.
I don't mean a little pissed off because United lost or because they've no luck in the love stakes. I mean seriously down all the time. Maybe they'd cry and look sad, maybe not.
Depression is the great chameleon (you know: the little lizard who changes colour to disguise himself), and can show itself in a hundred different ways. What they have in common is that there's a change in that person and it's not a change that makes them happier.
It could present itself as a sleep problem, as constant tiredness, or as a loss of concentration so that they start doing worse at school. They might be really crabby all the time, or just can't be bothered with people any more, or saying they're bored all the time. Maybe they've no energy to do things, or even the things they normally enjoy don't interest them any more.
Could be that they start hitting drink or drugs a bit heavy, or start getting into trouble when they never did before. They might start putting themselves down, or not bothering about their appearance any more. Their confidence might be gone, so suddenly they're saying they can't handle things that are normally no sweat. They might talk about dropping out, or running away, or even ending it all.
Someone who's down like that can lose friends because they're not fun to be around anymore. If you're a real friend stick around and look out for them. Take a grip on them and get them to some help when they need it. Depression is the pits when you're in it, but it does get better so tell them to hang in there.
More information on dealing with depression.
If you feel depressed or know someone who is depressed, talk to a doctor or a support organisation that can help. The doctors in your area will be listed in the Golden Pages: www.goldenpages.ie.
Support organisations:
GROW
Infoline PHONE: 1890 474474
GROW is a mental health organisation which helps people who have suffered, or are suffering, from mental health problems. GROW mental health groups and support services are anonymous, confidential and open to all.
Aware
Helpline PHONE: 1890 303302
Email support: www.aware.ie/emailSupport.php
Support groups nationwide: www.aware.ie/support.htm
Supports those who are directly affected by depression. Aware operates a helpline which is a form of non-directive counselling, available to sufferers and their families. Aware Support Groups operate throughout the country providing information to both patients and their families.
Samaritans
PHONE: 1850 609090
(Northern Ireland PHONE: 08457 909090)
Email: jo@samaritans.org
Web: www.samaritans.org
Samaritans provide confidential, non-judgemental support, 24 hours a day for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which could lead to suicide.
Shine (Formerly Schizophrenia Ireland)
Helpline PHONE: 1890 621631
Dedicated to upholding the rights and addressing the needs of all those affected by enduring mental illness including, but not exclusively, schizophrenia, schizo-affective disorder and bi-polar disorder.
