Depression is a deeply debilitating condition that saps every scrap of energy and self-esteem. The simple task of making a cup of tea becomes a stressful effort, a visit to the shops unthinkable, which would involve being washed and dressed an all day exercise.

First port of call will be your GP. Depression is a serious illness, unfortunately, unlike a broken arm, it is unseen, but never less just as serious; it is like recovering from a major operation.

The great miracle of modern medication will help relieve the symptoms, but does not heal the cause. Taking the medication helps the body and mind to cope giving time and space to help look at the events that caused these symptoms.

WHY?

There are many reasons to why we get depression, I believe this is your body telling you that its time to change the present life style. But how?

That was the most difficult part for me. Letting go of the past, recognizing that I am not longer the same person. If I continue on that crazy path, would I survive? Letting go of my 26 year career in child care and education was difficult, it took many years. But what was I to do? That my friends is the multi million pound question. The answer to that is intertwined through your inner self.

Self help tips ?

The brain will be reluctant to multi - tasking, take one job at a time, slowly, slowly. This may be difficult to except at the beginning especially if you juggled lots of different tasks in the past but once the mind as come to terms and accepted that the pace of life needs to change the process will become easier, refusal will make life difficult, and I speak from personal experience!

• Be kind to your self; take little steps.
• Believe that there will be an end.
• Try anything that lifts your depleted morale.
• Try hard not to berate your self.
  "I am a mess", "I am useless"

This illness can turn you into someone you and the family may not recognise.

Try to hibernate on the bad days, stay positive on the good days spending some time looking at the life style and see if you can pinpoint the reasons why you became ill. Keeping a small note book may help keep track of the ever changing thoughts and feelings on a daily biases. Each Morning try saying to your self,

Just for today do not be angry.

Just for to day do not worry.

Just for today take little steps.

"I give my self permission to take time to heal"