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Understanding depression in adults: Signs, causes and treatment

  • yboukarim9
  • Jun 26
  • 3 min read

By: Bossa Health

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Depression is more than just feeling sad from time to time. It is a common mental health condition that can affect your mood, body, thoughts and daily life. Depression can happen to anyone, and it is more than simply "feeling low" or "having a bad day." It can become so overwhelming that everyday tasks feel too hard to manage.


What is depression?

Depression, also called Depressive Disorder, is a health condition that can cause long periods of sadness, low energy and a loss of interest in things you usually enjoy. It is different from usual mood changes and does not go away on its own.


Depression can make you feel disconnected from your life, and some people may even think life is not worth living. It is a serious condition that needs proper care and attention, and most importantly, it can be treated.


Common signs of depression

Symptoms can be different from person to person, but some of the most common signs include:


  • Feeling sad, empty or hopeless

  • Losing interest in activities you normally enjoy

  • Feeling angry or frustrated, even over small things

  • Changes in sleep – sleeping too much or not enough

  • Low energy and feeling tired all the time

  • Changes in appetite and weight

  • Anxiety, restlessness or feeling on edge

  • Feeling guilty or worthless

  • Finding it hard to think clearly or make decisions

  • Thinking about death or suicide

  • Unexplained physical pain, like headaches or back pain


These symptoms usually happen most of the day, nearly every day, and can get in the way of work, relationships and everyday life.


How common is depression?

Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions in the world. It is estimated that:


  • Around 280 million people live with depression worldwide

  • 5% of adults experience depression, with women affected more often than men

  • More than 10% of pregnant women and new mothers experience depression

  • Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death in young people aged 15 to 29


What causes depression?

There is no single cause of depression. It can happen because of a mix of life experiences, health conditions and how the brain works. Common contributing factors include:


  • Difficult life events, such as job loss, trauma or losing someone close

  • Long-term stress

  • Physical health conditions like heart disease, diabetes or chronic pain

  • Low levels of physical activity

  • Alcohol or drug misuse


Depression and physical health are closely connected. People with long-term illnesses may develop depression, and people living with depression may face a higher risk of other health problems.


How is depression treated?

Depression can be treated effectively with the right support. Treatments may include:


  • Talking therapies (also called psychological therapies)

  • Antidepressant medication in moderate or severe cases

  • A mix of both, depending on the person’s needs


Talking therapies help people find new ways to think, cope and manage their feelings. These can be delivered by trained professionals, like ours at Bossa Health, and can take place in person or online.


Some of the most common psychological therapies for depression include:


  • Behavioural activation

  • Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)

  • Interpersonal therapy

  • Problem-solving therapy


Antidepressant medications may help in moderate to severe cases but are usually not needed for mild depression (a mental health professional should assess the need for it).


Self-care tips

Taking care of yourself can make a real difference when managing symptoms of depression and maintaining your overall well-being. Here are some practical things you can try:


  • Keep doing activities you used to enjoy, even if they feel difficult at first.

  • Stay in touch with friends and family. Connection matters.

  • Move your body regularly, even if it is just a short walk each day.

  • Try to maintain regular eating and sleeping routines as much as you can.

  • Limit or avoid alcohol, and do not use illicit drugs, as they can make depression worse.

  • Open up to someone you trust about how you are feeling.

  • Reach out to a mental health professional for support.


If you have thoughts of suicide


  • You are not alone; many people have been through similar experiences and found help.

  • Talk to someone you trust about what you are feeling.

  • Speak to a health professional, like your GP or mental health professionals, such as ours at Bossa Health.

  • Consider joining a support group.


If you ever feel in immediate danger of harming yourself or others, call 999 straight away (UK only). In a crisis, you can also contact NHS 111 and/or the Samaritans on 116 123; they are both free helplines, available 24/7.


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