Depression is something we all go through at times in our lives. In some situations it is a perfectly appropriate response such as in bereavement, where it is a reaction to loss. There are studies in biology proposing that the animal that loses a fight in the wild becomes ‘depressed’ and that enables him (typically the male) to not to repeat the behaviour that has resulted in a submissive position to the stronger animal- hence survival for that animal and a degree of social order. Studies have demonstrated the physiological nature of this response. It is also an opportunity for sleep in the event of excessive tiredness and we all are familiar with feeling a bit low when tired.

When depression is intense or protracted it is a problem. Symptoms include the inability to feel pleasure in things, changes in appetite, loss of interest in sex, lack of motivation, loss of self worth and guilt, bowel habit changes (typically constipation), alteration of sleep pattern (often early morning awakening), excessive consumption of alcohol or drugs, despair and even contemplation of suicide.

Depression treatments include psychotherapeutic approaches and/or medications. Psychotherapy looks in to the cause and background and attempts to introduce changes in thought pattern. ‘Psychodynamic’ work involves looking more deeply at the causes of the problem where ‘Cognitive’ approaches are much more aimed at changing ‘today’s’ behaviour and negative thinking. Medication- usually the antidepressants- aims not only at replacing low levels of ‘neurotransmitters’ (the chemicals involved in brain cell communication) but are also help the repair mechanism of the brain. Where once the brain was thought to have only a certain number of cells for life and be relatively ‘fixed’ now it is known as ‘plastic’- changing all the time to different circumstances.

Developing a sense of ‘insight’ into problems may help patients adjust their view of themselves in the world- adjusting negative behaviour patterns in a relatively simplistic manner-or occasionally just giving ‘chemical support’ all can be hugely beneficial and help sufferers return to a sense of optimism and positive outlook for the future.