Depression

Although most of us can experience these feelings without them affecting our lives, for some people, these symptoms can become debilitating, seriously affecting their quality of life.

People suffering from depression can frequently become overwhelmed with sadness and other emotional anxieties, sometimes for very long periods of time. When a depressive episode manifests itself, it doesn't necessarily need to be triggered by one incident; it can be triggered by an accumulation of experiences and emotions.

The symptoms associated with depression vary greatly from person to person, but each case could potentially lead to more serious problems. There is also a direct link between depression, self-harming, and suicide.

It is very important to seek professional help if you or anybody close to you might be suffering from symptoms that could be linked to a form of depression.

Many forms of mental illness, including depression, can affect our ability to make sensible, well-balanced decisions. The type of websites we visit and the kind of content we view require us to have a clear understanding of the potential impact exposure to this content might have on us.

One potential problem with using the internet when suffering from depression can be the accessibility of harmful online material; there is a lot of content online that 'glorifies' self-harm and suicide, which could seem like a 'way out' from the pain and sadness that the person is suffering.

While many online platforms are moderated to prevent unsuitable content from being made openly accessible for young or vulnerable internet users, there is still content available online that sufferers of depression may find triggering or upsetting.

If someone already suffering from depression experiences cyberbullying, digital abuse, or harassment, this can have a similar effect on escalating depression or emotional anxiety and increase the risk of self-harm or suicide.

People experiencing some form of mental illness are also able to access a wide range of support groups and online support networks aimed at helping those with depression. This offers them the chance to communicate with others experiencing similar challenges, feelings, and emotions around the world.