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Depression

About

Although around one in seven Australians will experience depression in their lifetime1, people’s experiences of depression can differ from person to person. Some people describe depression as feeling sad and teary, but other people describe it as not feeling anything at all for weeks, months or years.

Other things people experiencing depression might notice include:

  • a lack of interest in the things they used to enjoy,
  • changes in their diet or weight,
  • a change in their sleeping pattern,
  • trouble concentrating,
  • feeling slow, flat or low for most of the day,
  • feeling worthless, guilty, or unmotivated, or
  • thoughts of harming themselves or suicide.

People experiencing depression can feel this way for long periods of time, and the impact it has on their daily life can differ depending on the symptoms they are experiencing and how long they have experienced depression.

What to do

If you need to speak to someone right now, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit their website to speak to someone online. If it’s an emergency, call 000 or go to your nearest emergency department.

If you are concerned that you may be experiencing depression, speak with a health professional or someone you trust. It’s important to remember that depression is common and can be resolved.

Things that you can do right now:

  • Do your best to go to bed at night and get out of bed in the morning at the same time. This will help your body stick to a schedule and help to keep your energy levels up.
  • Eat healthy foods and drink water.
  • Move your body; this could be walking, swimming, dancing, yoga, or something else.
  • Speak with someone you trust.

Getting support

To get support at Deakin, you can make an appointment with Deakin's Counselling service or Deakin Medical Centre.

Away from Deakin, consider visiting these websites:

  • Beyond Blue have information about depression and online support forums for people experiencing depression.
  • Lifeline (call: 13 11 13) have information and support for people who feel suicidal and people concerned about someone they know.
  • 13YARN (call: 13 92 76) is a 24/7 crisis support service that provides a culturally safe space for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to yarn about their worries, needs and concerns.
  • QLife (call: 1800 184 527) provides information and support LGBTIQ+ people and their loved ones. You can speak with someone at QLife by calling or visiting their QLife between 3pm and midnight every day.

More help and advice

  • MoodGym is an interactive, evidence-based self-help tool that you can use to help prevent and manage anxiety.
  • myCompass is a personalised self-help tool for mental health.
  • Blue Pages provide information on depression and how it can be managed.
  • The #chatsafe guidelines provide tools and tips to communicate safely online about suicide.
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