Recognising The Signs Of Depression

We hear a lot about depression and many of us know someone who has identified as having a depressive illness, but what exactly is depression?
Depression is a common mental disorder affecting more than 264 million people worldwide. It is characterized by persistent sadness and a lack of interest or pleasure in previously rewarding or enjoyable activities. The healthdirect website tells us that depression is among the most common of all mental health conditions and impacts many Australians every day. While we all get sad, feel low or lacking in energy at times, people with depression experience these feelings more intensely and for longer. They can find it difficult to carry on with regular daily tasks during periods of depression. (www.healthdirect.gov.au/depression)

There are thought to be many different causal factors for depression that include stressful life events, genetics and mood regulation by the brain. Serious medical illnesses, financial stress and breakdown in relationships can also contribute to depression. Some of the physical signs and symptoms of depression can include: sleep problems such as difficulty sleeping and/or feeling tired during the day, changed appetite: with or without weight loss or gain, feeling run down or sick, headaches, muscle pain and/or churning stomach.

People with depression may also feel: sad or teary, overwhelmed,guilty, restless or angry, lacking in confidence, hopeless or disappointed. Some people with depression show behavioural signs such as not participating in activities that they previously enjoyed, not going out socially or seeing people, being less productive at school or work, drinking more alcohol and losing interest in everything around them. Recurring negative thoughts can also be a sign that someone is suffering from depression. These include thoughts such as: 'I’m no good','It’s all my fault', 'Life’s not worth living','People would be better off without me'.

If you recognise these signs and symptoms in yourself, see your GP or health service as soon as possible especially if you have noticed that you feel sad, teary and overwhelmed most of the time, that you have felt this way for two weeks or more and your mood is impacting how you cope at home, work or school. If you recognise the signs and symptoms of depression in family or friends, you can help them by just being there for them. Listening, offering to go with them to see a health professional, suggesting walks or cooking them healthy meals can all be supportive actions. Even if the person with depression does not want to do any of these things, you can check in with text messages and phone calls, so they know they are not alone.

There are ways to support and be kind to yourself if you have depression and some of the things that can help include talking to someone, relaxing with music or a book, doing things you enjoy, getting outside if you are able to (nature has a way of improving our moods), staying active and challenging those negative thoughts.
However, the best and first thing to do if you feel you have depression or an altered mood is to make an appointment to see your GP, health professional, or health service. If you or someone you know is at immediate risk of harm, always call 000.

To talk to someone, you can call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467. You can also call Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 and talk to someone in their support service.
There is help and support for those with depression and the sooner the symptoms are addressed, the better the outcome will be. Connecting with others is always a positive step to take – those connections can make all the difference.

Sources: www.healthdirect.gov.au/depression