Depression

Depression

What is depression?

It is normal to feel sad, moody or low from time to time, especially after a heart attack, heart event or diagnosis of a heart condition. Feeling like this is sometimes called the cardiac blues. Depression is different though. It is a common, serious mental health condition that can impact a person’s mood, thoughts and feelings. You might feel sad most of the time and lose interest in the things you enjoy. It can start to impact all parts of your life.

The good news is that if you have depression, there are effective treatments available to support you. Treatments can include psychological therapy and antidepressant medicines.

 Signs and symptoms of depression

Some common signs and symptoms of depression can include:

• loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy
• withdrawing from family and friends
• being unable to concentrate and not getting things done at work or school
• feeling overwhelmed, having trouble making decisions and lacking in confidence
• increased alcohol and other drug use
• loss or change of appetite and significant weight loss or gain
• trouble getting to sleep, staying asleep and/or being tired during the day
• feeling worthless, helpless and guilty
• increased irritability, frustration and moodiness
• feeling unhappy, sad or miserable most of the time
• low self-worth, with negative thoughts such as: ‘I’m a failure’, ‘life’s not worth living’, or ‘people would be better off without me’.

When to get professional help

It’s important to seek help if:

• symptoms persist for two weeks or more
• your ability to function at work or home is impaired
• you have thoughts of self-harm or suicide.

Below is the Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2). It is a brief, evidence-based screening tool used to identify if someone is experiencing depression. It helps indicate whether further assessment by a healthcare professional, like a general practitioner (GP), is needed. 

Answer the following two questions to check if you should seek help from a healthcare professional: 

In the last two weeks, how often have you been bothered by:  INFO TABLE COMING SOON

Add the number of points from the two questions. If your total score is 3 or more, make an appointment with your GP as soon as possible to discuss further and find out what treatments and supports are available. These might include a combination of psychological therapy and medicines.

Additional ways to manage depression

Making small, consistent changes to daily routines can have a meaningful impact on mood and overall wellbeing:

• Regular physical activity, even a short daily walk, can improve energy and reduce stress.
• Establishing healthy sleep habits and aiming for restful, predictable sleep can help regulate emotions.
• Eating a balanced, nutritious diet supports brain health.
• Avoiding alcohol and recreational drugs can prevent symptoms from getting worse and any negative impacts on your treatment. 

Feeling connected to others is an important way to help manage depression, even when reaching out feels difficult. Spending time with trusted friends or family, joining a community or support group, or simply confiding in someone you trust can ease feelings of isolation.

Immediate crisis support

If you are in immediate danger or thinking about harming yourself or someone else, call Triple Zero (000).

For immediate emotional support 24/7, contact:

• Lifeline – 13 11 14
• Suicide Call Back Service – 1300 659 467

Where to find support:

Discuss with your GP or health clinic

Your local GP or health clinic can help with understanding how you are feeling and what support you require. 

Medicare Mental Health

A free service (funded by the Australian Government) that connects you with a Medicare Mental Health Centres in your area and provides information online. Call 1800 595 212 or visit the Medicare Mental Health website.

Beyond Blue – information and support for depression: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/mental-health/depression

Lifeline – 24/7 crisis support and online chat: www.lifeline.org.au/ or call 13 11 14

Healthdirect – health info and helplines including depression resources: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/depression

MindSpot Clinic – free online assessment and treatment: https://www.mindspot.org.au/info/dealing-with-depression/

Black Dog Institute – factsheets and programs on depression: https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/resources-support/depression/

THIS WAY UP – online programs for depression: thiswayup.org.au/