Depression

04/03/2011 04:40

 

 

Definition:

Depression is more than just a low mood - it's a serious illness. While we all feel sad, moody or low from time to time, some people experience these feelings intensely, for long periods of time and often without reason.

 

Statistics:

One in four women and one in six men will suffer from depression at some stage in their lives. About 20% of people will be affected by depression and 6% will experience a major depressive illness in Australia. The greatest numbers of people with a mental illness are in the 18-24 year age group. Depression is one of the most common mental health problems in young people. Recent statistics show that 1,055,396 Australians suffer from Depression.

 

Causes:

Most people assume that depression is caused simply by recent personal difficulties. Depression however, is often caused by the mix of recent events and other longer-term or personal risk factors.

Research indicates that ongoing difficulties, such as living in an abusive or uncaring relationship, are more likely to cause depression than recent life stressors. Depression can also run in families and some people will be at increased genetic risk. However, this doesn't mean that you will automatically become depressed if a parent or close relative has had the illness. Life circumstances are still likely to have an important influence on your chances of becoming ill.

 

Symptoms:

If you notice any behavioral changes that last for more than two weeks in family members or friends, then it is worth asking if the person may be depressed.

Common behaviour associated with depression includes:

  • moodiness that is out of character
  • increased irritability and frustration
  • finding it hard to take minor personal criticisms
  • spending less time with friends and family
  • loss of interest in food, sex, exercise or other pleasurable activities
  • changes in sleep patterns - difficulty getting to sleep, waking up in the middle of the night or sleeping for longer
  • increased alcohol and drug use
  • staying home from work or school
  • increased physical health complaints like fatigue or pain
  • being reckless or taking unnecessary risks (e.g. driving fast or dangerously)
  • slowing down of thoughts and actions.

 

 

Treatment:

 

Depression is an illness that is likely to get worse if left untreated.

There are many health professionals and services available to provide information, treatment and support.

It is important to learn about the types of effective treatments available and how to access them. 

The following pages outline the main types of help available:

 

Calls for urgent assistance:

Lifeline 13 11 14

Kids Help line 1800 55 1800

 

 Psychological Treatment

CBT is a structured program which recognises that the way people think affects the way they feel. CBT teaches people to think rationally about common difficulties, helping a person to change their thought patterns and the way they react to certain situations.

 

Alternative treatment

Some people may try alternative therapies or adjust their daily routine. Increasing physical activity or getting enough sleep may be beneficial. 

 

Medication

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) is the most common anti-depressant I Australia. Tricyclics (TCAs) and Irreversible Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) are three common antidepressants.

 

 

Myths:

 

§ It's normal for teenagers to be moody; teens don't suffer from "real" depression.

§ Teens who claim to be depressed are weak and just need to pull themselves together. There's nothing anyone else can do to help.

§ Talking about depression only makes it worse.

§ Telling an adult that a friend might be depressed is betraying a trust. If someone wants help, he or she will get it.

§ Depression is always a response to a bad life situation like divorce, the death of a loved one, or a job loss.

§ If you can't snap out of your depression, it means you're weak.

§ If you wait it out, your depression will always go away

§ Only suicidal people need antidepressant medicines.

§ Antidepressant medicines are habit-forming, and they change your personality.

§ If someone in your family suffers from depression, you will inherit it.

 

 

 

How to seek help

For more info on Depression, visit, https://www.beyondblue.org.au/index.aspx?link_id=89 or https://au.reachout.com/find/articles/depression-types-causes-and-symptoms , you can also see your local doctor or someone you can trust.


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