For many people, even in this day and age, it is still considered somewhat taboo to talk about “Depression”. However, this attitude towards depression is largely born out of a lack of understanding as to what depression actually is…

What is Depression?

Depression is described as a mental health issue that can cause a person to experience consistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness (generally low mood). Having depression can negatively impact how a person functions in their everyday life, whether it be at work, socially, or when at home with loved ones. This can also cause people to become moody, teary, and withdrawn.

What Causes Depression?

There are a variety of factors that could be contributing to an individual experiencing depression. Oftentimes, numerous factors could be simultaneously contributing to feelings of depression. List below are some of the more common factors…

• Unhealthy patterns of thinking
• Genetic factors such as hormones or imbalanced brain chemistry
• Unexpected changes in life
• Feelings of grief and loss (e.g., following the death of a loved one, divorce, losing employment, etc.)
• Feelings of failure

How Common is Depression?

Depression is one of the most common mental health issues and affects 1 in 7 Australians (Beyond Blue, 2023). Unlike some mental health conditions, a diagnosis of depression does not mean you will have depression forever. Depression is malleable, as such, a person can go through numerous bouts of depression and remission throughout their lifetime.

Signs and Symptoms of Depression:

• Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, emptiness, or feeling teary.
• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt, fixating on past failures or self-blame.
• Loss of motivation or interest in hobbies.
• Reduced libido.
• Issues sleeping (limited or excessive sleep), feeling tired and fatigued, and loss of energy.
• Irritable or agitated demeanour.
• Trouble thinking, concentrating, making decisions, and remembering things.
• Frequent or recurrent thoughts of death, suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts or suicide.

What can be done for Depression?

Despite what some people suggest, people can’t just “snap out of it”. However, there are numerous important steps that can be taken to improve someone’s mood and lessen or resolve their depression. These include eating healthy, engaging in regular physical activity, staying socially active, and talking to someone about your feelings, either a trusted friend or loved one, or with a mental health professional.

Why is it important to talk about Depression?

Talking about depression can help open a dialogue and reduce stigma around this extremely common mental health issue. By reducing the stigma of depression, we can also reduce stigma around seeking help and encourage people to access the care and support they need to get back to living their best life.

Seeking Support:

If you suspect that you or someone else in your life may be suffering from depression, you should consult a mental health practitioner for support or contact your local GP for further guidance.

If you are in crisis and require more urgent support, please contact MHCALL on 1300 642 255 or your GP. If it is an emergency, please call 000 or present to your local emergency department.

Other helpful contacts are below:

• Lifeline 24/7 – 13 11 14
• Beyond Blue – 1300 224 636
• Kids Helpline 24/7 – 1800 551 800
• Suicide Callback Service – 1300 659 467
• DV Connect Womensline – 1800 811 811
• DV Connect Mensline – 1800 600 636
• Mensline Australia – 1300 789 978
• Parentline – 1300 301 300

Here are some helpful resources on Depression:

• https://www.cci.health.wa.gov.au/~/media/CCI/Mental-Health-Professionals/Depression/Depression—Information-Sheets/Depression-Information-Sheet—01—What-is-depression.pdf
• https://www.cci.health.wa.gov.au/~/media/CCI/Mental-Health-Professionals/Depression/Depression—Information-Sheets/Depression-Information-Sheet—02—What-Causes-Depression.pdf
• https://www.cci.health.wa.gov.au/~/media/CCI/Mental-Health-Professionals/Depression/Depression—Information-Sheets/Depression-Information-Sheet—03—Psychotherapy-for-Depression.pdf
• https://www.cci.health.wa.gov.au/~/media/CCI/Mental-Health-Professionals/Depression/Depression—Information-Sheets/Depression-Information-Sheet—04—Vicious-Cycle-for-Depression.pdf
• https://www.cci.health.wa.gov.au/~/media/CCI/Mental-Health-Professionals/Depression/Depression—Information-Sheets/Depression-Information-Sheet–05–Behavioural-Activation-Fun–Achievement.pdf

How to Access a Psychologist at CQ Psych Services:

• Contact us directly by calling 07 4972 6929 or email admin@cqpsychservices.com.au
• Ask your GP or health professional to refer you to our clinic.
• Come in and see our friendly staff at Shop 1 & 2, 13 Tank Street, Gladstone QLD 4680.
• Visit our website and complete a ‘Request an Appointment’ form and one of our friendly staff will reply to your enquiry. Website: https://cqpsychservices.com.au/

Author: Tom Grainger

Provisional Psychologist