Depression - can anyone help me understand it?

[Frozennortherner]

Friend has told me that they've been diagnosed with depression. I'm not sure of the best way to help really - which is probably because I'm not sure where it comes from. Can anyone help me understand this? Is it a chemical thing or a reaction to things going on in their life that they can't cope with?

[NanaNina]

You could look on the MIND website, or RE-THINK - there is a wealth of information about depression. Agree with JPJ - some kind of loss is usually the root of depression (not necessarily a bereavement) but sometimes it just emerges from within.

Most medics believe there is a change in brain chemistry though whether that's a cause or effect of depression is unknown - it's a chicken and egg situation.

Depression and anxiety usually go hand in hand and it is a really horrible illness - it's a common mental illness but still a torment.

Be a good friend and as JPJ says - it affects us all differently, but wanting to withdraw is quite usual. If she has young children I think it would be an enormous help to take them off her hands for a while so that she can rest without the worry of looking after them.

[Frozennortherner]

Thank-you both. The Dr's prescribed some medication (an anti-depressant - something which begins 'Cit...'. I've read somewhere that anti-depressants take a while to kick in snd that they can have serious side effects?

[NuggetofPurestGreen]

Citralopram I'd imagine. I had heard that too but I had no side effects and they started working really quickly.

[LEMmingaround]

Depression can have a "physical"cause or be the result of life events.whatever the cause it is an illness.

It sounds like your friend has been given citalopram. This is what i take. It does takeafew weeks to kick in and some people can feel really crap in the first few weeks. The good news is that this usually goes and it does make me feel better.

What can you do for your friend? Don't change. Carry on as normal with her. Tell her you are happy to listen and wont judge her. Invite her out for coffee etc (it is very easy to isolate yourself when depressed) but don't be upset if she doesn't want to come.

Just knowing you are there for her will make such a difference. You sound like a good friend.

[Frozennortherner]

Therapy hasn't been mentioned though I think there was a short spell of counselling at work. Told me yesterday that an Occupational Health appointment's booked for this week - I guess to help work stress element