What is Depression (Major Depressive Disorder)?
Depression (major depressive disorder) is a common and serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think, and how you act. Fortunately, it is also treatable. Depression causes feelings of sadness and/or a loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed. It can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems and can decrease your ability to function at work and at home.
Depression vs. Sadness or Grief
It is normal for feelings of sadness or grief to develop in response to difficult life events, such as loss or the ending of a relationship. While sadness and grief share some features with depression, they are different in important ways:
-
Sadness/Grief: Painful feelings come in waves, often intermixed with positive memories. Self-esteem is usually maintained.
-
Depression: Mood and/or interest (pleasure) are decreased for most of two weeks or more. Feelings of worthlessness and self-loathing are common. Thoughts are focused on ending one’s life due to feeling worthless or unable to cope.
Symptoms: When to Seek Help
If these symptoms are present almost every day for two weeks, professional support is recommended.
Mood & Feelings
-
Persistent sadness, despair, or guilt.
-
Feelings of worthlessness or self-hate.
Physical Changes
-
Insomnia or other severe sleep disturbances.
-
Unintentional weight/appetite changes.
Energy & Interest
-
Loss of pleasure (Anhedonia) in most activities.
-
Overwhelming fatigue or excessive sleeping.
-
Difficulty concentrating or focusing.
Severe Warning Sign
Thoughts of death, self-harm, or feeling it would be a relief to die. Seek emergency help immediately.
Key Risk Factors
Several factors can play a role in making a person vulnerable to depression:
-
Biochemistry: Differences in certain brain chemicals.
-
Genetics: Depression can run in families.
-
Personality: People with low self-esteem, pessimism, or those easily overwhelmed by stress, may be more likely to experience depression.
-
Environmental factors: Continuous exposure to violence, neglect, abuse, or poverty.
-
Grief or serious life changes: The death of a loved one, losing a job, or serious illness.
Remember
Whatever the reason for depression, it’s never your fault. Depression is a common health problem, just like high blood pressure or diabetes.
Simple Coping Strategies
If these symptoms are present almost every day for two weeks, professional support is recommended.
Move Your Body: Regular exercise is a powerful mood booster.
Eat Well: Maintain a healthy diet with whole foods.
Prioritize Sleep: Aim for 7-8 hours of quality rest nightly.
Stay Connected: Do not let worries isolate you from loved ones.
Your Recovery Starts Now.
Ready to connect with a professional? Help is available, and lasting change is possible.
Treatment & Therapy
Depression is highly treatable. 80% to 90% of people respond well to treatment. The vital first step is talking to a professional (counselor, doctor, or psychiatrist).
Counselling & Psychotherapy
Therapy offers a confidential, non-judgemental space to gain self-understanding, identify unhelpful life patterns, and build better coping mechanisms.
CBT is a present-focused, problem-solving therapy that helps you restructure negative thought patterns.
-
Identify: Pinpoint the negative thoughts causing distress.
-
Challenge: Learn to question if these thoughts are realistic.
-
Replace: Substitute negative thoughts with balanced, positive alternatives.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
EDEN THERAPY CLINIC LIMITED
23 Priory Park, Treesdale, Stillorgan Road, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, A94EK18
Irish massage therapist association
Reiki Federation
ABT Insurance
Follow us
HOURS
Mon 10 am-8 pm
Tue 10 am-8 pm
Wed 10 am-8 pm
Thu 10 am-8 pm
Fri 10 am-8 pm
Sat 10 am-4 pm
Sun Closed
© 2023-2025 by Eden Therapy Clinic.