DepressionDefinition- Depression is An illness that involves
the body, mood, and thoughts and that affects the way a person eats, sleeps,
feels about himself or herself, and thinks about things. Depression is not the same as a passing blue mood. It is not a
sign of personal weakness or a condition that can be wished away. People with
depression cannot merely 'pull themselves together' and get better. Without
treatment, symptoms can last for weeks, months, or years. Appropriate
treatment, however, can help most people with depression. The signs and
symptoms of depression include loss of interest in activities that were once
interesting or enjoyable, including sex; loss of appetite, with weight loss, or overeating, with weight gain; loss of
emotional expression (flat affect); a persistently sad, anxious, or empty mood;
feelings of hopelessness, pessimism, guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness; social
withdrawal; unusual fatigue, low energy level, a feeling of being slowed down; sleep
disturbance and insomnia, early-morning awakening or oversleeping; trouble
concentrating, remembering, or making decisions; unusual restlessness or
irritability; persistent physical problems such as headaches, digestive
disorders, or chronic pain that do not respond to treatment, and thoughts of
death or suicide or suicide attempts. The principal types of depression
are called major depression, dysthymia,
and bipolar disease (manic-depressive disease).
Facts and statisticsQuotes |
Treatments
There is no one proven way that people recover from depression. However, there is a range of effective treatments and health professionals who can help people on the road to recovery. There are also many things that people with depression can do for themselves to help them recover and stay well. The important thing is finding the right treatment and the right health professional for the individual's needs.
Causes of depression
Life eventsResearch suggests that continuing difficulties – long-term unemployment, living in an abusive or uncaring relationship, long-term isolation or loneliness, prolonged exposure to stress at work – are more likely to cause depression than recent life stresses. However, recent events (such as losing a job) or a combination of events can ‘trigger' depression in people who are already at risk because of past bad experiences or personal factors.
Personal factors
Personal factors
- Family history – Depression can run in families and some people will be at an increased genetic risk. However, this doesn't mean that a person will automatically experience depression if a parent or close relative has had the illness. Life circumstances and other personal factors are still likely to have an important influence.
- Personality – Some people may be more at risk of depression because of their personality, particularly if they have a tendency to worry a lot, have low self-esteem, are perfectionists, are sensitive to personal criticism, or are self-critical and negative.
- Serious medical illness – Having a medical illness can trigger depression in two ways. Serious illnesses can bring about depression directly, or can contribute to depression through associated stress and worry, especially if it involves long-term management of the illness and/or chronic pain.
- Drug and alcohol use – Drug and alcohol use can both lead to and result from depression. Many people with depression also have drug and alcohol problems. Over 500,000 Australians will experience depression and a substance use disorder at the same time, at some point in their lives.
Signs and symptoms of depression
It’s important to note that everyone experiences some of these symptoms from time to time and it may not necessarily mean a person is depressed. Equally, not every person who is experiencing depression will have all of these symptoms.
Behaviour
Behaviour
- not going out anymore
- not getting things done at work/school
- withdrawing from close family and friends
- relying on alcohol and sedatives
- not doing usual enjoyable activities
- unable to concentrate
- overwhelmed
- guilty
- irritable
- frustrated
- lacking in confidence
- unhappy
- indecisive
- disappointed
- miserable
- sad
- 'I’m a failure.'
- 'It’s my fault.'
- 'Nothing good ever happens to me.'
- 'I’m worthless.'
- 'Life’s not worth living.'
- 'People would be better off without me.'
- tired all the time
- sick and run down
- headaches and muscle pains
- churning gut
- sleep problems
- loss or change of appetite
- significant weight loss or gain
Types of depression
There are different types of depressive disorders. Symptoms can range from relatively minor (but still disabling) through to very severe, so it is helpful to be aware of the range of disorders and their specific symptoms.
Major depression
Melancholia
Psychotic depression
Antenatal and postnatal depression
Bipolar disorder
Cyclothymic disorder
Dysthymic disorder
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Major depression
Melancholia
Psychotic depression
Antenatal and postnatal depression
Bipolar disorder
Cyclothymic disorder
Dysthymic disorder
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)