Depression affects more lives every day than anyone can imagine. In England alone, one in four young people experiences symptoms of depression in any given week. The bigger problem is the general lack of understanding of this condition. In spite of all the great strides we have made to support mental health problems, depression is still a mystery to many.

The truth is that depression is treatable, like most other health issues. It's not a sign of weakness, either. It's a real medical condition that deserves proper attention and care. If you're reading this because you're worried about yourself or someone you care about, you are in the right spot. Let us explore everything about depression and what options for help are available at your disposal.

What exactly is depression?

Depression is a condition that encompasses a lot more than feelings of sadness. While anyone can have bad days and feel down sometimes, depression is different. It's a persistent condition that affects the way you think, feel, and handle your daily life. There is a very simple analogy to explain this phenomenon. Let's assume that feeling sad on any day is like getting caught in the rain. In that case, depression is essentially being trapped under a heavy storm, one that stalks you everywhere. This storm doesn't discriminate, either. It can stalk anyone regardless of their age, history, or background. But as we mentioned at the start, depression is a medical condition like any other. It is nothing but our brain's chemistry getting a bit mixed up - something that is most certainly treatable.

What are the symptoms of depression?

The symptoms of depression affect all parts of our lives. Let's start with the simplest one, the emotional symptoms. Yes, you may feel a sense of sadness and hopelessness most of the time. But chances are you may also feel a bit irritable, angry, or numb instead.

Physically, you may feel tired all the time, even after resting, and experience a considerable fall in appetite. You may find yourself struggling to doze off and wake up on time. There is also a possibility that you sleep far more than what is considered normal. Both of these patterns can point to depression.

However, the most critical symptoms come from the way you think and behave. You'll likely find it harder to concentrate on tasks or make any decisions. Not only that, you may also have trouble remembering things. When it comes to your behaviour, you may feel a need to withdraw from your loved ones, and the activities you enjoyed may no longer interest you.

But with all that said, here's something to remember: you don't need all these symptoms to have depression. Even a few of these symptoms persisting for a long time can indicate depression. As such, if you are struggling with even one of these issues, seek assistance from a mental health professional immediately.

When should you seek help?

Knowing when to seek help can feel a bit confusing. But as stated just now, if depressive symptoms are affecting your daily life, it's time to seek help. Ask yourself these questions: Are you struggling to get through your daily activities? Has your sleep pattern changed significantly for several weeks? Do you feel a sense of hopelessness on most days? Have you lost interest in things that used to matter to you? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you must reach out for help. You do not need to wait until things get worse, as getting help early always leads to an easier recovery.

More importantly, if you find yourself drowning in thoughts of self-harm or suicide, please reach out for help right away. Call your GP, a loved one, or a helpline: just contact someone as soon as you are able to. Asking for help at a time like this isn't something to fear or be embarrassed about. It's an act of taking control of your life back from the clutches of depression. Mental health professionals are trained to help people with depression. They won't judge you, and they will do everything that they can to help you feel better.

Should you seek help from the NHS or private treatment?

Now, where you seek help matters just as much. For starters, the NHS provides free treatment for depression. Not only that, but NHS talk therapies are also one of the most accessible ways to seek treatment for depression. The catch, however, is that the wait times can be egregiously long. This is where private treatment comes into play. Going private may appeal to you if NHS waiting times are a concern and if you fear your condition getting worse with time. But it can also work if you want to choose your specific therapist. There are benefits to choosing your therapist, too. For example, a private psychiatrist in London can bring a comprehensive assessment, multiple treatment options, and deep personalisation to the table.

All that is to say, while private treatment costs money, it can offer more immediate access and many treatment options for you to choose from. If finances are a concern, many employers in the UK provide mental health coverage through occupational health schemes. So conduct a thorough check on what support is available to you.

What help is available for depression?

There are multiple effective treatments for depression, and the best approach usually involves a combination of talking therapies, medicine, and self-help. But what's right for you will depend on your specific situation and reaction to the treatments.

Let's start with talk therapies, which are the most common method for treating depression. Under this, approaches like cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) can help you identify negative thought patterns and fundamentally alter the way you react to them.

If therapy doesn't help, the next addition to the treatment is antidepressants. These work by balancing brain chemicals that specifically target our mood. Many people tend to worry about becoming dependent on antidepressants. The reality is that modern antidepressants are generally non-addictive and safe, with only a few expected side effects.

In situations where people don't respond to the treatments mentioned above, we have rTMS to save the day. rTMS, short for repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, uses magnetic pulses to stimulate specific areas of the brain that trigger depression. This method can be beneficial for those with medication-resistant depression.

Just as important as all these treatment methods are self-help strategies that you must try. For starters, regular exercise can be as effective as antidepressants for some people. Then getting good sleep and eating nutritious food helps just as much. Joining support groups can also connect you with others who understand what you're going through. Many areas have local depression support groups, and online communities can also provide valuable peer support.

The common thread tying all these together is that most of them will not help you with depression on their own. But together? All these treatment methods can work their magic and keep all your depressive symptoms at bay. It's also important to remember that not every treatment works for every person. Don't get discouraged if the first treatment you try doesn't work perfectly. Depression treatment sometimes requires fine-tuning and a few adjustments. It is all a part of the process, not a sign of failure.

Moving forward with hope

Depression can feel overwhelming, and the symptoms you may be feeling right now are real. But what is also real are your chances for recovery. Thousands of people overcome depression every year with the proper support and treatment, and there is no reason to believe that you cannot do it too. It all begins with understanding that this condition is treatable. Next, recognise that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Finally, work with a professional to truly walk on the path to recovery. It's a gradual process full of ups and downs, but in time, you will undoubtedly get there.