Depression
Beyond Blue Explains Depression Video
Transcript of the video:
What is it? And what’s the difference between feeling depressed and experiencing depression?
For many people, feeling depressed can mean feeling sad, unhappy or low.
These are natural and normal feelings, even if they arrive without any warning or reason.
Generally, these feelings will go away with time, your mood will lift, and you’ll start to feel better.
However, if you:
1. Are sad and unmotivated for two weeks or longer
2. Stop enjoying the things that usually make you happy
3. Withdraw from friends and family
4. Or, feel empty or numb
It might be a sign that you’re experiencing depression.
So, what exactly causes depression?
There’s no simple answer – depression affects everyone differently it’s also caused by many different things.
Often, it can be the result of many unique factors.
Common ones include: being in ongoing stressful situations, undergoing a big life changes, having a family history of depression, experiencing grief or loss, going through ongoing physical illness or pain. You may even be at greater risk of depression due to your personality traits especially if they include worrying a lot or being overly critical of yourself.
Depression is more than just feeling depressed from time-to-time.
It’s important to know that it is treatable.
And it’s worth reaching out and talking to someone about.
Information about Depression:
Common symptoms include:
Feeling irritable, sad and stressed most of the time. Feeling angrier than usual and restless, unable to relax or stop thinking about what is on your mind. Feeling guilty, worthless, frustrated, unhappy, indecisive, disappointed and miserable.
You might experience negative thoughts about yourself, people around you or your home environment.
Lose interest in the things you usually enjoy and lose concentration easily.
Experience sleep problems and feel constantly tired.
Withdrawing from friends and family.
Change in appetite.
These feelings lasting weeks, or months at a time.
How common is depression?
Depression affects 1 in 7 people in Australia. It is a serious condition that affects your physical and mental health.
What to do if you are worried about depressive symptoms.
Talk to a trusted adult. Whether that is your guardian, teacher or the school wellbeing team.
While it is important to be a good friend, it is not your responsibility or your friend’s responsibility to hold the care for one another alone. If you are concerned for a friend’s mental health, please feel like you can discuss this with the wellbeing team who can help guide you with next steps. This link provides a guide on what to do if you are worried about a friend https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/news/how-to-help-when-youre-worried-about-someones-mental-health/ in the early stages.
For mild symptoms focus on building on the foundations: eating well, regular sleep and exercise, positive activities with friends and family, using calming and self-help strategies, managing workload and life stress. The wellbeing team is happy to assist with providing helpful advice and strategies.
For moderate or severe symptoms, you may need a psychologist and/or medical support. This can occur when symptoms are getting in the way of your ability to do everyday life. This is when a visit with your General Practitioner to discuss your concerns and gain a referral for a Mental Health Treatment Plan may be appropriate. Alternatively, a discussion with Bendigo Headspace (contact listed below) for support is also an option.
In severe cases in which you need advice on what to do next, please contact Bendigo Health’s Regional Mental Health Triage Service which is a telephone-based assessment and support service that provides 24-hour, 7 day a week access to mental health services across the Loddon Mallee region (information below). If the situation is deemed emergency or very serious, the call may be transferred to 000.