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Wednesday, 11 July 2007
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A throwaway remark made by An Taoiseach Bertie Ahern at a conference in Bundoran last week has thrown the issue of suicide and depression back into the spotlight. Marie Madden reports on a condition that affects over 400,000 people in Ireland

Depression is a condition that can take many forms, from the short lived feelings of sadness that most of us suffer in response to disappointments of everyday life, right up to severe depressive disorders, which require treatment.

A depressive illness is an overwhelming feeling which dulls thinking, impairs concentration, saps energy, interest in food, sex, work and everyday activities and disrupts sleep.

Tony Daly is a facilitator with AWARE in East Galway and holds support meetings for those suffering from depression. He says that due to modern lifestyles, depression in Galway is on the rise.

One of the main indications of depression is a change in personality and a reluctance to socialise. According to Tony, the best way to react if a friend or family member starts to show symptoms, is to try to get them to open up about how they are feeling.

"People often don't take it seriously and say things like 'pull yourself together' but this is the wrong reaction. It's better to try to talk to them, or if they don't feel comfortable talking to you, refer them to a GP," he says.

AWARE has been in operation since 1985 and aims to offer a support and outlet for people suffering from depression, without judgement or talk of medication.

"We don't discuss doctors or medication," says Tony. "The sessions last for about an hour and a half and are attended by people who are ill and also people who are feeling better. They act as a support for each other. Everyone just shares their feelings and it helps a lot to know that you are not alone and there are other people who feel the same way. The group grows together. Everything said in the sessions is confidential and afterwards we have tea and coffee and people can chat between themselves. It seems to really help and we get a great response," he explains.


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