Depression

Are you having a bad day or struggling with depression?

The phrase “I am so depressed” is often misrepresented because it is casually used to describe how we feel about the loss of a game or when things are simply not going our way. However, determining the difference between feeling sad or down to difficult situations and actually suffering from depression is an important distinction to make. If you are unable to do your normal activities and you have been feeling down for weeks, months or even years, you may be suffering depression. Feeling depressed is often from a combination of events, personal factors, genetics and brain chemistry rather from something immediate. This is often why so many people can’t find a reason for their negative feelings. Unfortunately, people forfeit the ability to enjoy happy and productive lives because they don’t recognise the symptoms of depression. There are over one million Australians each year who are affected by depression so it is pretty common.

So what types of things can cause depression?

A combination of personal factors and difficult life events can cause depression and it varies for every person. The below list is just a guide.

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  • Job loss, especially long-term unemployment

  • Relationship problems or conflict – e.g. separation/divorce, difficult/abusive relationship

  • Loneliness or feeling isolated

  • Excessive drug or alcohol use

  • Having another family member who has depression

  • Having a serious physical illness

  • Changes in how the brain functions

  • Personality factors – e.g. anxiety, low self-esteem

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What are some signs that may indicate that you are suffering from depression?

The below symptoms are common to depression if you are feeling a number of these it may be a good idea to see your GP for an assessment. Don’t ignore it feeling your best self is good for you, your family and friends.

 

  • Persistent sadness, lasting two weeks or more.

  • Loss of interest in your favourite things.

  • Finding no fun or enjoyment in life.

  • Loss of self-confidence.

  • Feeling guilty, bad, unlikeable, or not good enough.

  • Feeling empty inside.

  • Feeling useless or unable to cope with life.

  • Feeling bored all the time.

  • Increased feelings of anxiety.

  • Inability to see a future for yourself.

  • Thinking everything is pointless.

  • Thinking life is not worth living.

  • Thoughts of death or suicide.

  • Wanting to go to sleep and never wake up again.

  • Especially low mood in the mornings.

  • Feeling more irritable, frustrated, or aggressive than usual.

  • Trouble concentrating on things, poor memory.

 

Other signs may include:

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  • Loss of energy, feeling tired all the time.

  • Changed sleep pattern – difficulty getting to sleep, bad nightmares, waking in the night, waking up too early, or sleeping much more than usual.

  • Spending less time socialising with friends or family.

  • Loss of sexual desire.

  • Changed eating pattern – loss of appetite, weight loss or comfort eating.

  • Getting lower grades than usual at school, college, or university.

  • Not going to school/college/work, or becoming disruptive.

  • Becoming a hypochondriac, worrying lots about illness.

  • More headaches, backaches or stomach aches than you normally get.

  • Turning to alcohol or drugs to try to make yourself feel better

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Don’t ignore signs of depression it can get progressively worse if left. Follow these easy steps…

Sometimes people who are very depressed commonly have thoughts of not knowing how much longer they can go on. If this is you, it is important to reach out Call 000 or TIACS Foundation 0488 846 988 

1.Talk to your Doctor
Many people especially blokes struggle to look after themselves and call a doctor in general. However this is especially true when it comes to looking after mental wellbeing. Taking the first step to see your GP is important to a more fulfilling happier life.
2. Talk to a mate
Talking to family, friends, a counsellor, or a helpline such as TIACS can help you get back on track. Also, asking for help from a mental health professional can have a long lasting benefit to help you better understand what is going on.
3. Be good to yourself
Being good to yourself can be misunderstood as eating junk food, sitting on the couch for hours or drinking alcohol to relax. However, treating yourself well is a conscious act to try and eat well, exercise and get enough sleep. Treat yourself the way you would look after someone you love. Getting out and exercising has been proven to be one of the most effective ways to reduce depression. Also, making a conscious effort to do things you love such as sports and meeting with friends is important.
4. Watch your mood
Understand changes in your mood - Understanding fluctuations in your mood is important to try to identify. Look for certain circumstances that make you feel encouraged or discouraged and talk to someone why this is happening.  Sometimes people who are very depressed commonly have thoughts of not knowing how much longer they can go on. If this is you, it is important to reach out Call TIACS Foundation 0488 846 988
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This Is A Conversation Starter Foundation Ltd is an endorsed charitable institution by the Australian Taxation office, donations over $2 are tax deductible ABN 58631207031

CONTACT US

Main Reception  (07) 2103 1109

Reception OPEN Mon-Fri | 9.30 - 5pm

Support Line  0488 846 988

Support Line OPEN Daily| 10am - 6pm

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3/77 Riverside Place

Morningside, QLD 4171

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4. Watch your mood

Understand changes in your mood - Understanding fluctuations in your mood is important to try to identify. Look for certain circumstances that make you feel encouraged or discouraged and talk to someone why this is happening.  Sometimes people who are very depressed commonly have thoughts of not knowing how much longer they can go on. If this is you, it is important to reach out Call TIACS Foundation 0488 846 988