Depression

Overview

It’s perfectly normal for life’s stressors to evoke an emotional response — but depression is a great deal more than a transient feeling of sadness or stress. While most of us know what it’s like to experience ups and downs and negative emotions from time to time, many individuals experience these feelings persistently and on an intense level.

Depression affects a person’s ability to cope with their physiological, genetic, psychological, social and demographic circumstances. The condition causes a significant loss of interest in previous enjoyments and an inability to experience pleasure in life — which is why it can infiltrate almost every aspect of a person’s life. Relationships, study, work and hobbies often suffer as a result, and those affected may withdraw from their loved ones and avoid their usual activities. Risks for the illness include both internal factors like self-esteem and stress tolerance, and external factors like social support and social activities.

What is depression?

Depression is a chronic mental illness in which sufferers find themselves in a regular state of gloom, sadness, or despair. This condition is responsible for low mood, loss of interest or enjoyment, and lower levels of energy. Sleeping patterns, appetite and concentration may also be affected by depression.

Depression does not discriminate, affecting men and women of all ages, socioeconomic backgrounds and education levels. With many Australians suffering with a mental illness at some point in their lives, it’s imperative we, as a society, reduce the stigmatisation of seeking professional help and support for depression. With a greater understanding and the right treatment, most people with depression go on to lead happy, fulfilling lives.

What causes depression?

While there is no simple explanation as to what causes depression, there are a number of associated risks and predispositions that lead to its development. The condition can be triggered by the following psychological, biological or genetic factors:

Genetics and biochemical factors

• Family history
• Brain chemistry (serotonin, noradrenaline and dopamine)
• Low self-esteem
• Self-criticism or perfectionism
• Low self-worth

Bullying and discrimination

• Peer rejection
• Cyberbullying
• Physical and verbal abuse
• Racism and bigotry
• Physical health problems
• Hormonal imbalance
• Injury and immobilisation
• Terminal illness

Life events and trauma

• Job loss
• Retirement
• Moving house
• Physical and verbal abuse
• Natural disaster
• Sexual assault
• Life threatening experiences
• Witnessing death or injury
• Unstable living conditions
• Grief and loss
• Death of a loved one
• The end of a friendship/relationship
• Moving away
• Loneliness and isolation
• Lack of close family ties
• Separation
• Living alone
• Introversion
• Language or cultural barriers
• Geographic isolation
• Retirement
• Starting a new job or moving schools
• Fear of rejection

Drug use

• Substance abuse
• Medication side effects

Family/relationship breakdown

• Family suffering from mental illness
• Separation and divorce
• Friendship conflict
• Parental conflict
• Loss of intimacy

Common types of depression

A depressive disorder can manifest itself in a number of ways, which is why it’s important for mental health professionals to develop targeted treatments for certain types of depression. A greater understanding of depression and its different forms is a great first step towards getting help. Some common diagnoses include:

Major (Clinical) Depression

Major depression is perhaps the most common manifestation of the condition, which involves a persistent feeling of sadness or lack of interest in usual activities. Both exposure to stressful life events and genetic factors are associated with the onset of a major depressive disorder. Symptoms are debilitating, affecting almost every aspect of a person’s social and professional life.

Melancholia

Melancholia is a severe subtype of major depression, where a person is unable to find pleasure in positive things, with little or no improvements to mood in response to positive events.

Dysthymic Disorder (Persistent Depressive Disorder)

Much like major depression, dysthymic disorder presents similar symptoms but on a persistent basis. Those diagnosed with this type of depression endure milder symptoms for a prolonged period of time.

Perinatal Depression

Perinatal or postpartum depression, is a common condition affecting mothers during pregnancy or after the birth of a baby. Sufferers can feel overwhelmed or unable to cope with their new role as a parent. This type of depression can have a severe impact on the mother-child relationship, rouse intense feelings of sadness and guilt.

Psychotic Depression

Those who suffer with major psychotic depression often lose touch with reality, and episodes of psychosis can involve severe hallucinations, delusions and paranoia. Psychotic depression often occurs in conjunction with bipolar disorder or major depressive disorder.

Common signs and symptoms

Depression presents itself in a myriad of ways. Experiences of the condition — whether subtle or severe — will depend on the individual. The diagnosis of depression can bear different meanings and consequences for sufferers, which is why a ‘one size fits all’ model should be rejected. Nonetheless, here are some common physical, behavioural and psychological indicators of depression:

Physical Symptoms

• Insomnia or excessive sleeping
• Headaches and nausea
• Fatigue, low energy
• Appetite and/or weight changes
• Feeling sick or run down
• Loss of libido

Behavioural Symptoms

• Social withdrawal or isolation
• Substance dependence or abuse
• Difficulties with work (employment/school)
• Participating less in usual activities
• Concentration difficulties
• Lack of motivation
• Frequent crying

Psycholigical Symptoms

• Anger, irritability
• Pessimism or hopelessness
• Misery or sadness
• Guilt
• Mental exhaustion
• Lack of pleasure
• Anxiety
• Detachment or apathy
• Suicidal thoughts

Helping friends and family with their depression

The key to recovery will be an honest conversation about your loved one’s depression – but don’t feel you have to offer a solution to their problems. The greatest level of support you can offer is to simply listen. Listening lets your friends and family know they’re not alone, and can help make a difference in how they feel.

As much as sufferers of depression need a great amount of support and understanding from their family and friends, it can also be tough for those suffering alongside someone whose pain is often internalised and difficult to understand. If you love someone with depression, don’t be afraid to open up the conversation and reach out to our highly-trained and compassionate staff at The Central Coast Clinic for help.

Treatment Programs

Our inpatient, day patient and outpatient services are delivered by a compassionate and experienced team.

External Resources

Beyond Blue

An independent, not-for-profit organisation working to increase awareness and understanding of anxiety and depression in Australia and to reduce the associated stigma. Access website

Black Dog Institute

Information on symptoms, treatment and prevention of depression and bipolar disorder. Access website

Headspace

National youth mental health foundation dedicated to improving the wellbeing of young Australians. Access website

Head to Health

Australian Government online mental health resources. Access website

Lifeline

A national charity providing all Australians experiencing a personal crisis with access to 24 hour crisis support and suicide prevention services. Access website

Mensline Australia

A telephone and online support, information and referral service, helping men to deal with relationship problems in a practical and effective way. Access website

Mindspot Clinic

An online and telephone clinic providing free assessment and treatment services for Australian adults with anxiety or depression. Access website

National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO)

Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services and Aboriginal Medical Services in each state and territory. Access website

QLife

National counselling and referral service for LGBTI people, providing early intervention, peer support for people of all ages experiencing poor mental health, psychological distress, social isolation, discrimination, experiences of being misgendered. Access website

Relationships Australia

Relationship support services for individuals, families and communities. Access website

SANE Australia

Information about mental illness, treatments, where to go for support and help carers. Access website

Support After Suicide

Information, resources, counselling and group support to those bereaved by suicide. Access website