No money and still a while to go until payday, bad weather, broken New Years Resolutions?  These things apparently combine to make the third Monday in January the most depressing day of the year or Blue Monday. But is it really?  The answer is no!  Ilena Day, our Chief Executive, was asked about Blue Monday and about Depression and here’s what she has to say:

Is Blue Monday a myth or a real stumbling block for many?
It is a myth! Whilst this time of year can be difficult for many people, the notion that people struggle more on this set day in particular is nonsensical. Feeling down from time to time is a normal part of life and being unhappy should not be confused with experiencing depression; a common and treatable mood disorder.

Can people think themselves better and does it help to have positive thoughts?
Getting better from depression can involve a range of approaches depending on person needs and social circumstances, and will usually involve time and support. To say that someone can merely “think themselves better” is over-simplistic. It is not as simple as thinking positively.

It is true that when you are depressed you can experience thoughts that are unhelpful and there are a range of talking therapies that can help to address this particular aspect of depression such as counselling, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and other psychotherapy. Depression Alliance Scotland are currently offering a computerised CBT self-help programme with telephone support which is free to access.

When should people seek professional help for themselves or their loved ones?
When you are experiencing symptoms of depression, it can be difficult to take the first step and reach out for help and support.  It is important to remember though that people with depression can and do recover and get back on track with their lives; the sooner help is sought the sooner this can happen.

The general rule of thumb is if you experience five or more of the symptoms below for no obvious reason, for more than two weeks, if you are having suicidal thoughts or if any of these symptoms interfere with work or family activities then it is time to seek help.

Symptoms may include:

• Feelings of hopelessness
• Inadequacy
• Anxiety
• Self-hatred
• Negativity
• An inability to enjoy things which were once pleasurable in life
• Guilt
• Agitation
• Weight loss or weight gain
• Loss of energy or motivation
• Loss of sex-drive
• Disturbed sleep
• Poor concentration, indecisiveness
• Irritability, anger
• Social withdrawal
• Unexplained aches and pains
• Self-harm
• Recurring thoughts of death or suicide

See the services section for details of support options available from DAS. If you’d like additional support or to talk to someone you can talk to or email a trained advisor in confidence at Depression Alliance Scotland on 0845 123 23 20   or info@dascot.org

Can/should we intervene if we think things are pretty grim?
It is always better for someone to take their own personal responsibility for getting well. This way reaching out for help can be deemed as a positive step and under their control. It can make things much easier if family, friends and relatives are supportive and to understand that there is usually no quick fix to depression so getting better will take time. If people are concerned about a person’s welfare or feel that they are in immediate danger then they should not be frightened to intervene under these circumstances.

Here is a good resource for family and friends of someone with depression.