Depression

You don’t have to be depressed – but if you don’t want to be you will need to do something about it. Learn more about depression and how you can overcome it.

   The why and what of depression

Living in the 21st century is not easy. Life is fast, ever changing, and the demands on you are many. If life is changing too fast, not the way you want it, too much, or not fast enough, you may experience some depression. As there are many reasons for depression, there are many different experiences and words to describe it as well. Being depressed is not just about feeling sad, although being sad and teary can be a sign of depression. Depression can often be the lack of feeling, of feeling numb, of being stuck and often not having the words to explain how and why you feel as you do. Depression can be described from Mild to Severe depending on how long you have been depressed, and the impact it is having on your life.

You are depressed if, for two or more weeks you have been experiencing at least some of the following:

• low mood for most of the day,
• lack of interest in things you used to enjoy,
• changes in diet and/or weight,
• change in sleeping pattern,
• feeling physically restless or slow,
• feeling worthless or guilty,
• poor concentration,
• thoughts of harming yourself.

   What you can do about it

The first thing to do if you are concerned that you may be depressed is to speak with either your doctor or a counsellor about what you are thinking and feeling. There are many things that have been shown to help people out of their depression, from medicine and counselling, to aromatherapy, yoga and exercise.

• a counsellor will assist you find out, and deal with what is causing your depression
• anti-depressant medication, whilst not making you ‘happy’, can get you going again
• identifying the thoughts and beliefs that bring you down and changing them to be more realistic and helpful to you is a very successful way to overcome your depression
• for many people, doing a number of things to help them is the most effective

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   Depression and suicide

Spending long periods of time feeling bad about yourself can be very distressing and hard to live with. When it also feels hopeless, that circumstances will never improve, the prospect of continuing to live as you are can feel intolerable. When living feels intolerable, you may consider harming yourself through suicide. If you are having thoughts of harming yourself, we recommend that you consult with a counsellor or your GP as soon as possible. If you wish to understand more about suicide, more information can be found at the “Here For Life” website below.

   Depression and your study

It can be very hard to find the motivation to study when you are depressed. In fact not being motivated to study may be a sign of depression. Your ability to think clearly and critically, and remember what you read and learn becomes less when you are depressed. If your sleeping pattern has changed, you may find yourself missing classes and not finding time to study efficiently.

   Quick tips

• if you think you are depressed, see a counsellor or a doctor as soon as possible
• do what you can to keep your energy levels up by making a big effort to eat well and exercise several times a week
• go to bed at night and get out of bed in the morning at the same time each day
• if you aren’t doing all the study you are supposed to, do the most important things first
• have a look at the Mood Gym website below

   Taking it further

• Beyond Blue - Lots of information about depression, and support to get you through it.
  http://www.beyondblue.org.au/

• Depression Net - For information and support.
  http://www.depressionet.com.au/

   Getting help

• Blue Pages - Good information about depression and how to treat it
  http://www.bluepages.anu.edu.au/treatment.html .

• Suicide - Information and support about this difficult issue for people feeling suicidal, and people concerned about someone they know.
  http://www.lifeline.org.au/

• Mood Gym - Online program to help you be more positive in your thinking.
  http://moodgym.anu.edu.au/

• Depression and Men - Because men can find it particularly difficult to ask for help.
  http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Depression_in_men

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