The World Health Organisation (WHO) provides a widely recognised definition of Mental Health, which highlights that mental health is:
- More than the absence of mental disorders.
- A key part of health—there is no health without mental health.
- Decided by a range of socioeconomic, biological, and environmental factors.
- Promoted, protected, and restored through cost-effective public health strategies and interventions.
Mental health is a crucial part of our overall well-being. According to the WHO constitution, “Health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” This means that mental health is not just the absence of mental disorders, but a positive state of well-being.
Mental health allows an individual to realise their abilities, cope with life’s stresses, work productively, and contribute to their community. It plays a key role in how we think, feel, interact with others, make a living, and enjoy life. Because of this, promoting, protecting, and restoring mental health is essential for individuals and societies worldwide.
Mental health conditions include mental disorders, psychosocial disabilities, and other mental states that cause significant distress, impaired functioning, or a risk of self-harm. In this blog, we’ll focus on Depression, a medical condition characterised by a persistent Low Mood.
What is Low Mood and Depression?
Low Mood refers to feeling sad, down, or uninterested in things for a short period of time, which is common after a stressful or difficult situation. However, when these feelings last for weeks or months and begin to affect daily life, it can become Depression.
Depression is more than just sadness. It can make everyday tasks feel overwhelming, diminish the ability to enjoy things, and create feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness. Other common symptoms include changes in sleep or appetite, difficulty concentrating, and a lack of energy.
It’s important to understand that Depression is a medical condition, not a personal weakness. It can be treated with support, including therapy, medication, or a combination of both.
Common Symptoms of Low Mood and Depression
- Sad or tearful feelings.
- Anxiety or panic.
- Fatigue or trouble sleeping.
- Anger or frustration.
- Low self-esteem or confidence.
A Low Mood usually improves within a few days or weeks. Simple lifestyle changes, such as resolving a specific issue or improving sleep, can help. However, if a Low Mood lasts for two weeks or more, it could show Depression. Other symptoms of Depression may include:
- Loss of enjoyment in life.
- Feelings of hopelessness.
- Difficulty concentrating.
- Suicidal thoughts or thoughts of self-harm.
Steps Toward Recovery
- Talk about how you feel with close friends, family, or a health professional such as a Doctor or Occupational Health Professional. Opening up can be a crucial first step toward understanding and managing your mental health.
- Lifestyle changes can be effective. For example, see resources like NHS’s “How to be Happier” for simple tips to improve your mood and well-being.
Many people experience Anxiety alongside Depression. Symptoms of Anxiety can overlap with those of Depression, such as:
- Feeling restless.
- Difficulty concentrating (e.g., struggling to watch a film or read an article).
- Trouble sleeping.
Because of these overlapping symptoms, Doctors may talk about Anxiety and Depression in the same context.
Seeking Help
Good mental health enables us to face life’s challenges with resilience. Poor mental health can leave us feeling overwhelmed, unable to make decisions, or move forward. The good news is that support services are available to help you.
A good starting point could be:
- Samaritans: Call free on 116 123.
- GP visits: Your Doctor can discuss options and provide support.
- Employee Support Programs (EAPs): Many Employers offer resources for mental health support.
- Occupational Health Providers: Your Employer may offer access to mental health resources.
Mental health treatments vary, and the first step often involves completing a simple questionnaire to assess where you currently stand. If lifestyle changes haven’t helped, further options include Talk Therapy, Counselling, or medication. Your GP may consider prescribing antidepressant medication, but this will be discussed thoroughly to ensure you understand both the benefits and potential side effects.
It’s important to note that antidepressants typically don’t work at once, it can take several weeks before you notice improvement.
If you would like to understand more on how Asclepius Occupational Health can assist you or your Employee Mental Health, please contact us on admin@a-ohs.co.uk or call us on 0203 940 8700.
