Depression is a topic that is often talked about but rarely understood. It affects millions of people worldwide, yet there is still a stigma attached to it that can make those suffering feel ashamed or alone.

As someone who has lived with depression for most of my adult life, I wanted to share my personal account of what it’s like to live with this illness, in the hope that it might help others who are struggling.

What is depression?

Depression is a mental illness that affects a person’s mood, energy levels and ability to function. It can be caused by a range of factors, including genetics, brain chemistry, and life events.

Symptoms can include feeling sad or hopeless, losing interest in things you used to enjoy, sleeping more or less than usual, feeling tired all the time, and having trouble concentrating.

My experience with depression

I first noticed something wasn’t right when I was in my early twenties. I was working full-time, studying for a degree, and trying to maintain a social life, but I was constantly exhausted, irritable, and didn’t enjoy things like I used to.

It took me a while to realise that I might have depression because I didn’t fit the stereotype of someone who was permanently sad or couldn’t get out of bed.

Over the years, my symptoms have come and gone. Sometimes I’ve been able to manage them through exercise, talking to friends, and making changes to my lifestyle.

Other times, they’ve been more severe, and I’ve had to seek professional help. Each time has been different, and I’ve learnt that depression is a complex illness that can’t be solved overnight.

The impact of depression

Depression can have a huge impact on all aspects of your life. It can affect your work, your relationships, and your ability to take care of yourself.

For me, it meant that I struggled to concentrate at work, had difficulty sleeping, and lost interest in things that used to bring me joy. It also put a strain on my relationships, as I found it hard to connect with others and often cancelled plans at the last minute.

Seeking help

One of the hardest things about depression is knowing when to seek help. It took me years to pluck up the courage to talk to my GP and ask for a referral to a therapist.

I was afraid of being judged, and I didn’t want to admit that I wasn’t coping. But looking back, I wish I had sought help sooner. Talking to a professional who understood what I was going through was a turning point for me, and it gave me hope that things could get better.

Managing depression

Managing depression is an ongoing process, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. What works for one person might not work for another. For me, a combination of therapy, medication, and self-care has been the most effective.

I’ve also found it helpful to educate myself about depression and to be open with those close to me about what I’m going through.

Living with depression

Living with depression can be challenging, but it’s important to remember that it doesn’t define you. Depression is an illness, and it’s something you can recover from.

It’s okay to have bad days, and it’s okay to ask for help. You’re not alone.

Conclusion

Depression is a complex and often misunderstood illness. Living with it can be tough, but seeking help and developing coping strategies can make all the difference.

As someone who has lived with depression for years, I encourage anyone who is struggling to reach out and get the support they need. There is hope, and things can get better.