People often use the word 'depression' to describe when someone is feeling miserable, low or 'in a bad mood'. It can be difficult to tell the difference between a depressive illness and someone feeling low. The diagnosis of depression can be made after the patient has been assessed for the severity of the low mood and other related factors.

Depression is a common, treatable problem that anyone can develop. Although many people may assume that a person suffering from depression simply needs to 'snap out of it', this is not the case! There are things that can be done by the individual or their peers to alleviate the symptoms and aid the road to recovery.

The causes of depression are not fully understood, but early life experiences or genetics may be contributing factors. Other events that may trigger an episode of depression may include the loss of a job or a loved one, a relationship ending or other stressful experiences. It may also be caused by the use of recreational drugs or through drug treatments, or even because of a physical illness.

Some of the symptoms include the loss of interest in normal activities, having no energy and feeling tired all of the time, waking up early in the morning or difficulty sleeping, lack of appetite, loss of sexual appetite, irritability, restlessness and anxiety, the lack of self-confidence and the avoidance of other people.

Unfortunately there is no real test for depression and it can only be diagnosed by the symptoms. Once diagnosed, a person can be treated by a Doctor, a counsellor, a psychiatrist, a psychologist or a psychotherapist.

Depression can be treated in different ways, depending on the severity of the condition. If a person has a mild condition, psychotherapies are offered and can be as effective as medication. If the condition is more severe, medication will probably be needed, but psychotherapy may be used as a supplement.

Your physician will choose which medication is suitable for you, depending on the side effects of the drug and your symptoms. Unfortunately not everyone responds to the medication and as a result a higher dose or a different medication may be required, or even a combination of psychotherapy and medication may be needed.

Some people need more specialised help, so may be referred to a psychiatrist. The psychiatrist will want to find out about background information, including work and home life, what problems a person is suffering and if there are any emotional or health problems. The psychiatrist will also need to know what current medication you are on.

If you are suffering from depression the last thing you should do is bottle things up. You should start by talking to people about your problems, then get help from your physician. Lying in bed all day or locking yourself away from the world will only compound the problem. Getting regular exercise can often help and can keep your mind off things. This is often easier said than done when suffering from depression, as you may not feel like doing anything, but you should try to be as active as you can. Try not to drink excessive amounts of alcohol as it will only make the symptoms worse and harder to treat. It is also important to remember that you are suffering from an illness and it is treatable. Do not suffer alone!