Frequency Asked Questions

Depression is a prolonged period of feeling sad, tearful, hopeless, or empty. Other related symptoms can include sleeping disturbances, such as insomnia or excessive sleepiness, angry outbursts, irritability or frustration over minor matters, a lack of interest in hobbies, sex, sports, or recreational activities that are usually enjoyed.

Difficulty experiencing any positive emotions at all; feeling sad, tearful, hopeless, helpless and empty over a prolonged period of time can be considered depressive symptoms. Additionally, and in general symptoms involve feeling low, guilt-ridden, having low energy, experiencing changes in appetite or sleep patterns, weight gain or loss, no motivation or interest in anything (anhedonia) and finding it difficult to make decisions; experiencing brain-fog, woolly headedness and confusion. For some people, depression manifests as anger and moodiness and can lead to relapse in avoidant and compulsive behaviour. In extreme cases depression can involve great difficulty even getting out of bed, slow movement (psychomotor retardation), inability to move (catatonia) and intrusive thoughts of self-harm and suicide. These extreme features indicate severe depression or an exacerbation of a mood disorder showing "down regulation" of the brain (brain fuel depletion) requiring more aggressive treatment, medication or hospitalisation.

Yes, common physical symptoms caused by depression are changes in appetite (usually decreased), low sex drive, constipation, moving or speaking more slowly than usual, and unexplained aches and pains.

Due to the release of dopamine, the “feel-good chemical” in our brains, while engaging in social media. It can make us feel less fulfilled in the other areas of life, things become less enjoyable, and if there is an addiction to social media, it can increase anxiety, lead to poor sleep quality, and then on to more depressive feelings. But remember, we can literally think and behave our way to better wellness and break the cycle.