are depressed people aware they are depressed
What is the Aware Helpline (1890 303 302)? The Aware Helpline is a non-directive listening service for people affected by depression, either personally or as family and friends. The Helpline offers a non-judgemental ear to people who may be distressed or worried, or just need someone to talk to. Psychologist Connie Hammen has argued that, in many cases, stressful life events (e.g., loss, humiliation, or entrapment) are dependent on a personal choice. That is, there are things people do that make depression worse through the consequences of their own behavior. For example, a person prone to depression tends to act on impulse when experiencing a difficult situation, further adding to the problem. People’s thoughts and attitudes explain why some develop depression following stressful life events. The following list provides an overview of various vulnerability factors that put a person at risk for developing depression. There are indications that these distorted beliefs precede the initial onset of depression. Depression has a multitude of possible symptoms and can be, mild to severe, with the duration from a few weeks to a chronic, lifetime illness. Because symptoms vary greatly from person to person -- Some people know they have it, Some suspect, & Some don't have a clue. One person can display a few mild symptoms while others have very acute and classic symptoms. A person can actually have Suicidal Thoughts every day without really feeling. depressed !! Irritability may be a prominent factor. People are well aware that persistent sadness is a symptom of depression. But irritability is a key sign as well. In fact, irritability may even indicate a more severe depression, said clinical psychologist Shannon Kolakowski, PsyD. Aware is a voluntary organisation formed in 1985 by a group of interested patients, relatives and mental health professionals. It aims to assist people whose lives are directly affected by depression. Some 300,000 people in Ireland currently have depression and over 500 take their own lives each year. Low mood. This is, of course, the most obvious sign of depression. “Often people with depression have a feeling of low self-esteem and unworthiness,” says Adams. “A person who is depressed and doesn’t know it may become more critical and judgmental about themselves – they might self-blame. Attending a meeting. People are welcomed on arrival by the Support Group Facilitator who provides them with Aware literature. The meeting lasts from an hour to an hour and a half and is usually attended by 5-10 people. Those attending are asked to introduce themselves to the Group on a first name basis. “People don’t quite understand that you can still function and have depression,” says Adams. “A lot of people think if you have depression you’re going to quit your job and so on, but many people continue to work, continue to function but to a very different degree. You don’t have to be suicidal to be depressed. Some people don’t even realize they (or someone else) are struggling with depression. “They may think of it as ‘just stressed out’ and expect them to get over it more quickly.” (These people also “are unlikely to seek professional help for being ‘stressed.’”) Clinical depression is an illness.
Yes, Because symptoms vary greatly from person to person Some people know they have it.