Depression is not just the feeling of sadness we all experience at times, particularly when faced with losses, or feelings of grief. These are called "reactive" feelings - feelings which occur when faced with loss or grief. When most people say, "I feel so depressed", they usually just mean they are feeling sad or miserable that day. True depression, however, is a medical condition characterised by an extreme emotional low that interferes with a person's ability to function normally. The person may struggle just to get out of bed in the morning. It is a serious condition; however, if detected, it can be treated using a range of effective and safe treatment approaches.
Depression is a common disorder. In Australia, one in four women and one in six men will experience depression at some time in their life. Unfortunately, only about 20% of depressed people are correctly diagnosed - because depression can "mask" itself as physical illness (such as chronic pain, sleeplessness, or fatigue). Therefore, many people who suffer from depression are not treated and may suffer for years from what is a treatable condition.
Depression can contribute to, and be caused by, many physical illnesses. It is a major cause of health problems. Untreated depression can lead to other medical problems.
The World Health Organisation has concluded that, by 2020, depression will be the world's major health problem, costing many billions of dollars to deal with.
Depression results from a combination of physical and psychological factors, causing chemical changes in the brain. Physical factors may include: medical illness and treatment, inherited traits, chemical changes and drug/alcohol use. Psychological factors may include: life stressors, negative experiences and high anxiety. It is important that diagnosis and an assessment of the causes in any particular case be carried out by a medical practitioner.
Have you or a loved one experienced any of the following recently:
If you answered "yes" to a few of these questions, and you have been experiencing this for a period of two weeks or more, then you may be suffering from depression and you should see your doctor to discuss the issue.
The most common drug therapy is a prescription for an antidepressant. They help improve sleep, concentration, energy and contribute to a better mood and less anxiety. Antidepressants are not addictive and are relatively safe and effective.
There are a range of psychological therapies for depression, aimed at helping the person decrease anxiety, stop drug/alcohol use, deal with stresses and learn to cope better.
Part of the treatment may involve helping the person avoid family conflicts and develop ways of using their family as a means of support and encouragement.
If someone appears to be extremely sad for a long period of time or indicates that they want to die, this may be a warning sign of suicide.
A person may state that they have thought about suicide. They may make comments like, "No-one would care if I were dead", "I hate my life, and I wish I was in a better place". Don't be afraid to talk to the person about these statements and find out what they mean. Asking about suicide will not "put the idea in their head."
A person may withdraw from their normal activities. They may say that they would prefer to stay home or be alone. A change in performance at school can be a form of withdrawal. A student may try to excel in class or may perform poorly with assignments.
A person may be feeling so low that they believe that they are useless, worthless, hopeless and no good. They may also state that they feel either guilty or shameful about situations.
Some people may have sudden changes in their moods. They may be very sad one day and then very happy the next. The person may have made a decision such as to devise a suicide plan and may feel very calm and content.
The person may change their eating patterns or sleeping patterns. There may also be a change in appearance, outlook and behaviour.
A person may engage in risk taking behaviour such as train surfing, driving at high speed, or engaging in unsafe sex, or may act without thinking of the consequences, for example quitting school or binging on alcohol or other drugs.
A significant event can increase the risk of suicide. A person may be affected by divorce of parents, suicide of family member or friend, loss of a significant other, loss of job, unexpected performance at school.
Possessions may be given to significant others, a person may make comments such as, "You can have my motorbike, I don’t need it any more" or "My grandmother would want you to wear this ring". They may also throw their possessions away.
For further information see What to do when someone is suicidal.
Your regular medical practitioner.
Your local community health centre.
National Depression Awareness Campaign Mental Health Foundation of Australia Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited270 Church Street,Richmond 3121Tel: (03) 9427 0407
ARAFEMI - Association of Relatives and Friends of the Emotionally and Mentally ill.615 Camberwell Road,CAMBERWELL 3124Tel: (03) 9889 1777Fax: (03) 98892878
Mental Health Foundation of Australia (Victoria)270 Church Street,Richmond 3121Tel: (03) 9427 0406
AICAFMHA - Australian Infant, Child, Adolescent and Family Mental HealthTel: (08) 8132 0786Email: secretary@aicfmha.net.au
