Depression
Life is full of ups and downs, sometimes you might find yourself experiencing what seems like more of the “downs”. You might find yourself becoming overwhelmed with what is happening around you and experience difficulties coping with life’s stresses.
Whilst it is normal to experience short periods when things might seem more difficult, if you find they are happening more frequently and more intensely, you might be suffering from what is called depression. Depression is different to feelings of general sadness and it doesn’t necessarily have a “cause” or be related to a negative event in your life.
There are many different symptoms of depression and each individual may experience a number of different symptoms. Depression can look very different in different people, depending on which symptoms they experience.
Depression does not discriminate between people based on their age, work roles, family life or education: depression can affect anyone.
Symptoms of depression include:
- Low mood
- Loss of interest in activities
- Decreased motivation
- Changes in appetite and associated weight loss or gain
- changes in sleep – both insomnia (not sleeping) and hypersomnia (sleeping too much), difficulties falling asleep and night time waking
- Fatigue for no real reason
- Difficulties concentrating
- Difficulties making decisions
- Recurrent thoughts of death, thinking or planning suicide, suicide attempts
- Reduced libido
- Ruminating thoughts
- Worrying
- Negative thinking
- Withdrawal from social groups
- Feeling easily agitated
- Feelings of hopelessness, or feeling “trapped”
- Feeling overwhelmed
Each individual can experience depression differently, and can have any combination of the above symptoms, and further symptoms not listed.
Fortunately, there are many different psychological treatments which can be effective in helping to support someone suffering from depression. Every individual will respond differently to different strategies, so it is important to try a number of different approaches to determine what is going to work best for you. Psychological treatment strategies can help you to overcome depression and return to living a meaningful, rich life.
Steps you can take
If you think you might be suffering from depression and would like support to improve your life you can contact us at Strategic Psychology via phone, email or drop in to our office to arrange to meet with one of our trained psychologists for a confidential discussion.
No referral is needed to make an appointment. However, you can arrange for an appointment with your GP to discuss your mental health and the support which can be available through Medicare to access treatment services. If you are eligible for a Mental Health Care Plan, your GP can provide this to you to bring along to your session which will allow you to access a rebate through Medicare.
Urgent Assistance
If you are in need of urgent support or if you have any thoughts of hurting yourself, you can contact a number of different 24 hour mental health services for immediate support:
| Mental Health Services | Phone |
|---|---|
| Mental Health Line | 1800 011 511 |
| Lifeline | 13 11 14 |
| Contact your local doctor or hospital |
