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Depression
What is depression?
Depression is a common illness. One-in-five
adults will experience this debilitating condition at some
stage in their life. Consequently, every family will have
at least one member who has had the illness or is at immediate
risk. Depression is recognised as the most disabling medical
condition in our modern society. It is closely linked with
other psychological conditions, particularly anxiety, as well
as misuse of alcohol and other substances. Depression also
leads to other medical illnesses, particularly heart disease.
It leads to premature death not only by suicide but also by
increased rates of accidental injury.
Depression is a word we often use to describe our feelings
or moods. Most of us will feel 'down', 'blue', 'fed up', or
'sad' from time to time – such feelings are a normal part
of the emotional ups and downs of everyday life. In fact,
feelings like these are useful because they may help you realise
that you need to do something constructive to deal with the
feelings, or to change the situation.
Depression is quite different to these types of feelings.
It lasts longer than sadness or a case of the 'blues', and
is accompanied by feelings of helplessness and hopelessness
of an intensity that has a strong negative effect on your
day-to-day life. Depression is not only about feelings or
emotions, it also affects the way you think and behave.
It is important to understand the difference between depression
and the feelings of sadness that we all may experience when
we have been through a painful or difficult time (like the
death of a loved one). The feelings associated with grief
can also be intense and long lasting, but they can help the
person adjust and develop new meaning in their life after
the loss. Depression on the other hand does not do this. Depression
does not provide us with personal growth and development -
it can actually rob us of those very things. Family, friends
and colleagues may seem frustrated and critical, suggesting
that you just “snap out of it”. This probably won't be helpful,
but your family and friends, just like you, need to know that
depression can be treated successfully, and that they can
help you in your recovery. Depression is not a mood that you
can just 'snap out of'. Depression can, however, be treated,
and treated successfully. Don't be afraid to talk of your
feelings, letting people know how you feel can be the first
step on the road to recovery from depression. Remember
– 'depression is an illness, not a choice'.
What are the signs?
Depression can present with a range of signs or symptoms,
some of which may be:
Loss of interest in pleasurable and fun activities,
A lack of joy in your life,
Feeling sad or irritable most of the time,
Changes in sleeping patterns – trouble falling asleep or
waking up too early,
Worrying and negative thinking,
Feeling unworthy or helpless, as if you are a burden to
others, and
Feeling tired all the time; everything seems like a major
effort.
It is probably the relentless feelings of hopelessness,
helplessness, guilt and anxiety that accompany depression
that make it so difficult to cope with. Some of these signs
can be frightening, particularly if you think about death
or suicide. It is important to make sure you talk about these
feelings, find a different solution or answer to your pain.
What to do?
If you or someone you know can identify with these signs
or feelings, please seek help straight away. See your local
Medical Centre, Chaplain, Social Worker, Psychologist, or
the Duty Officer/Officer of the Day. Talk to these people
and be open and frank about how you feel.
Depression can be treated, help is available, and you do
not have to go through this alone. There are a variety of
ways to deal with depression, speak to a professional and
find out what type of treatment can be tailored for your own
situation.
About beyondblue
beyondblue is a national initiative looking at all
aspects of depression, anxiety and substance-use related disorders;
and, is supported by Australia's federal and state/territory
governments. It provides a uniform approach to preventing
depression, raising community awareness and reducing stigma,
giving voice to people's lived experiences supporting further
research; and, working with GPs to improve the identification
and treatment of depression.
The beyondblue <www.beyondblue.org.au> website
provides a
comprehensive range of information about depression, including
the signs and symptoms, effective treatments, frequently asked
questions, personal experiences; and information on a range
of beyondblue support programs.
beyondblue is helping to open our eyes to depression
throughout Australia.
For more information about depression,
or beyondblue and its activities, visit
or e-mail <bb@beyondblue.org.au>
Do you have Depression checklist reproduced with kind
permission from beyondblue: the national depression initiative
PO Box 6100, Hawthorn.
Do you have depression?
For more than two weeks have you: (please tick if YES )
1 Felt sad, down or miserable most of the time?
2 Lost interest or pleasure in most of your usual activities?
If you answered YES to either of these questions, complete
the symptom checklist below. If you did not answer YES to
either of these questions, it is unlikely that you have a
depressive illness.
Checklist for Depression Symptom
3 Lost or gained a lot of weight? or Had a decrease or increase
in appetite?
4 Sleep disturbance?
5 Felt slowed down, restless or excessively busy?
6 Felt tired or had no energy?
7 Felt worthless? or Felt excessively guilty? or Felt guilt
about things you should not have been feeling guilty about?
8 Had poor concentration? or Had difficulties thinking? or
Were very indecisive?
9 Had recurrent thoughts of death?
Add up the number of ticks for your total score:
What does your score mean? (assuming you answered yes to question
1 and/or question 2.)
4 or less: Unlikely to have a depressive illness 5 or more: Likely to have a depressive illness
For further assessment, please contact your ADF health provider.
Depression is a common illness. One-in-five
adults will experience this debilitating condition at some
stage in their life. Consequently, every family will have
at least one member who has had the illness or is at immediate
risk. Depression is recognised as the most disabling medical
condition in our modern society. It is closely linked with
other psychological conditions, particularly anxiety, as well
as misuse of alcohol and other substances. Depression also
leads to other medical illnesses, particularly heart disease.
It leads to premature death not only by suicide but also by
increased rates of accidental injury. 
