Depression....

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 Depression, in its rawest form, can cripple us both emotionally and physically. It can affect us all in very different ways.  For some of us the physical symptoms are easier to spot, such as feeling constantly tired, sleeping badly, having no appetite or sex drive, and various aches and pains.

The emotional symptoms of depression range from mild to severe.  At the milder end of the scale, you could feel a general low mood begin to dominate.  Feelings of unhappiness and hopelessness can cause you to doubt yourself and you can even begin to lose interest in the things that once brought you joy.

The worry over why you feel this way can often lead to a level of anxiety that you are simply not used to, and as a result you may find that you become frustrated or are much quicker to anger than you would be normally.

In extreme cases, as the hopelessness begins to take a grip, it is possible that you may even begin to feel that life is not worth living, or that those around you would be better off without you as all you do is bring them down.  This can be a terribly isolating experience and the stigma associated around such suicidal thoughts can cause some to keep this to themselves which only serves to perpetuate the problem and we convince ourselves that nobody cares.

It is vital to know that in these times the thoughts and feelings you are experiencing, whilst individual to you, are not uncommon and talking to someone about how you feel and why can literally pull you back from the edge.

No matter what stage you find yourself at, you are worthy and you are not alone!.