What is Depression?
Feelings of sadness are a normal part of life, especially when you are going through difficult situations. However, if these feelings last for longer than two weeks and begin to impact your work, schoolwork, or relationships, it may be a sign you have depression.
Depression is very common, affecting 1 in 7 of Australians.
Depression may be short term and associated with significant events such as a relationship breakdown, loss of a loved one, or some type of trauma. Depression can also last many years. People with a first-degree relative with depression (i.e., a parent or sibling) are more likely to experience depression themselves.
What is depression?
Depression is an illness that affects the way you feel, the way you think, and the way you act. It often causes you to lose interest in activities that you have previously found enjoyable, and you may find it difficult to find motivation to complete even simple tasks. Things you might normally not find stressful may suddenly seem overwhelming.
Depression can also impact your sleep and your physical health.
There are different types of depression. Common types of depression include major depressive disorder (also known as clinical depression), persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia), and ante-natal and post-natal depression (associated with pregnancy and birth). Depression is also common in bipolar disorder. Anyone who has any other mental health issues is more likely to experience depression.
Symptoms of depression
Everyone if different so the way depression affects people can be different. Common symptoms include:
withdrawing socially
not wanting to spend time with family or friends
loss of interest in things you normally enjoy
low motivation
difficulty concentrating
feeling overwhelmed
feeling numb
always feeling tired
not being able to sleep or sleeping too much
feelings of hopelessness.
Suicidal thoughts
Feelings of hopelessness are often associated with depression, and these sometimes lead to thoughts of suicide.
If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, you should seek help immediately. If you are in immediate danger, call 000 or present to a hospital emergency department.
If the situation is not urgent, you should still seek help as soon as possible. Contact your GP or a crisis line and reach out to family or friends for help.
Lifeline 13 11 14
Suicidal Call Back Service 1300 659 467
Kids Help Line 1800 55 1800
Treatments for depression
Depression is unlikely to go away without support and treatment. Finding the right treatment for you can is important to help you feel better.
There are several ways to treat depression. This can be medication, counselling, and lifestyle changes, or a combination of these. Some people respond well to counselling and will not require medication, while other people benefit strongly from taking medication. Your GP will explore the different options available to you, and work with you to find the best treatment.
How do I get help for depression?
If you suspect you have depression, you should contact your GP for further information. If they believe you have depression, they may write a Mental Health Treatment Plan for you. This plan provides you with access to up to ten Medicare-rebated psychology sessions in a one-year period.
The Mental Health Care Navigators at Isaac Navicare can then link you in with the best psychologist for your needs.
