Find more information at: www.postivemindsbradford.weebly.com Banishing the Blues It is important as we get older to not only look after ourselves physically but also to notice how we are feeling. It’s very common to start to feel a bit low in response to changes in our lives, some of which we may feel we have little control. Depression can sometimes feel like a small, pesky creature that appears every now and again when we’re feeling down. It can creep up on us, or we may notice that it is hanging around again. Recognising that it is there to begin with is the first step in keeping it under control. Hints and Tips Do: Talk to someone about how you are feeling Remember that lots of people experience symptoms of depression at times Find out about new activities and support available where you live Spend time doing gentle exercise, preferably with other people Don’t: Bottle up your feelings Blame yourself for how you are feeling depression is normal and commonplace Distance yourself from your family, friends or community activities Stay at home worrying alone Think that feeling down is not worth talking about Are you? Eating too much or not enough Sleeping too much or not enough having difficulty remembering things worrying about the future Feeling helpless and crying a lot Finding it hard to concentrate or make decisions Feeling everything is your own fault and not asking for help or support Feeling restless, agitated or irritable a lot of the time Losing interest in things which you used to enjoy Having aches and pains which don’t appear to have a physical cause These may be signs that you are becoming depressed! Find more information at: www.postivemindsbradford.weebly.com