Depression and Anxiety
Advice for reporting on depression and anxiety
Depression
Depression is a common condition that causes people to experience depressed mood, loss of interest or pleasure, feelings of guilt or low self-worth, disturbed sleep or appetite, low energy, and poor concentration. If depression becomes chronic or recurrent, it can cause considerable impairments in the ability to take care of daily responsibilities.
Depression occurs in persons of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. It affects approximately 121 million people worldwide and is a leading cause of disability.
Depression can be reliably diagnosed and successfully treated, although fewer than 25% of affected individuals have access to effective treatment.
Postnatal Depression
Also called postpartum depression, this condition impacts women around the time of child birth. Some women can be affect by perinatal depression, which occurs during pregnancy. These conditions are characterised by extreme sadness, anxiety, changes in appetite, loss of interest or pleasure in life, and lack of interest in the baby. Perinatal and postnatal depression are different to the ‘baby blues’.
Anxiety
Anxiety is a feeling of worry or fear that can range from mild to extreme. While everyone can feel anxious at times about situations such as an exam or an interview, people with anxiety disorders can find it hard to control their worries. Feelings of anxiety and distress can often impact their daily lives. Anxiety can also be the primary symptom of conditions such as panic disorder, agoraphobia, and generalised anxiety disorder.
Agoraphobia
Agoraphobia is a term used to describe several related phobias that are connected to situations such as leaving home, being in crowds or public spaces, and travelling alone on public transport. Many people with agoraphobia also experience panic disorder, but not all. This condition impacts twice as many women as men, and the HSE estimates that approximately 4% of women and 2% of men are affected by agoraphobia in any 12-month period.
Seasonal Affective Disorder
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a form of depression that recurs during the changing of the seasons. It is most common in winter although it can also affect some people during spring/summer. The HSE estimates that SAD impacts approximately 7% of the population. Similarly to depression, symptoms can be difficult to live with. Treatments available include light therapy, talking therapy, and medication.
Depression & Anxiety Quick Reference Guide
Depression
Depression is a common condition that causes people to experience depressed mood, loss of interest or pleasure, feelings of guilt or low self-worth, disturbed sleep or appetite, low energy, and poor concentration. If depression becomes chronic or recurrent, it can cause considerable impairments in the ability to take care of daily responsibilities.
Depression occurs in persons of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. It affects approximately 121 million people worldwide and is a leading cause of disability.
Depression can be reliably diagnosed and successfully treated, although fewer than 25% of affected individuals have access to effective treatment.
Postnatal Depression
Also called postpartum depression, this condition impacts women around the time of child birth. Some women can be affect by perinatal depression, which occurs during pregnancy. These conditions are characterised by extreme sadness, anxiety, changes in appetite, loss of interest or pleasure in life, and lack of interest in the baby. Perinatal and postnatal depression are different to the ‘baby blues’.
Anxiety
Anxiety is a feeling of worry or fear that can range from mild to extreme. While everyone can feel anxious at times about situations such as an exam or an interview, people with anxiety disorders can find it hard to control their worries. Feelings of anxiety and distress can often impact their daily lives. Anxiety can also be the primary symptom of conditions such as panic disorder, agoraphobia, and generalised anxiety disorder.
Agoraphobia
Agoraphobia is a term used to describe several related phobias that are connected to situations such as leaving home, being in crowds or public spaces, and travelling alone on public transport. Many people with agoraphobia also experience panic disorder, but not all. This condition impacts twice as many women as men, and the HSE estimates that approximately 4% of women and 2% of men are affected by agoraphobia in any 12-month period.
Seasonal Affective Disorder
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a form of depression that recurs during the changing of the seasons. It is most common in winter although it can also affect some people during spring/summer. The HSE estimates that SAD impacts approximately 7% of the population. Similarly to depression, symptoms can be difficult to live with. Treatments available include light therapy, talking therapy, and medication.
The Samaritans116 123 (available 24/7)
Aware (depression and bipolar)
1800 80 48 48 or supportmail@aware.ie
The Samaritans
116 123 (available 24/7)
Aware (depression and bipolar)
1800 80 48 48 or supportmail@aware.ie
