Depression is a difficult concept for most of us to understand, however it is more common than most people realise.
Did you know that 1 in 6 New Zealanders are likely to experience major depressive mood at some stage in their lives?
This means that you are likely to know someone close to you who will experience Depression at some time.
Feelings of sadness or low mood are common and are normal responses when you are upset or experience stress as a result of but not limited to:
• A relationship breakdown
• The death of someone you know
• or losing a pet etc.
These feelings of sadness or low mood will usually diminish over time and they don’t normally stop you from enjoying day to day life.
When these feelings of sadness remain and feel permanent – this may be Depression. Some people describe this feeling as being ‘stuck’ and they feel they are unable to change.
Possible Symptoms of Depression
• Feeling tired most of the time, no energy and/or feeling irritable.
• Sleep – over sleeping or not being able to sleep much at all
• Difficulty with concentration
• Reduced sex drive
• Low self esteem
• Changes in weight – over eating or not eating much at all
• Thinking about harming yourself or death
• Feeling empty inside or lonely
• Not taking pleasure from things you used to enjoy
• Anxiety – worrying about things more than normal, feeling panicky, pounding heart, pain, or an uneasy feeling in your tummy.
What Can Cause Depression
There a lot of things that can cause Depression including:-
• Family history – Is the depressive gene in your family?
• Suffering from a significant traumatic event – stress, bullying, during or post pregnancy,
an accident or suffering from a long term illness
• Lifestyle – Are you a heavy or regular drinker of alcohol? Do you use recreational drugs
including Marijuana or party pills?
A good diet, feeling socially connected and getting regular sleep are all important in maintaining good mental health.
Talking to a Therapist Can Help!
Talking therapy is particularly helpful in finding ways to understand and combat feelings of a depressed mood. This means that you will find ways of identifying and talking about how you feel and then finding different ways to approach these feelings either in a practical way or by altering your way of thinking and viewing the situation.
You may also need to see your doctor so they can also monitor your wellbeing.
If you are in crisis – please call someone immediately.
The Crisis Assessment Team (Auckland) can be reached on 0800 800 717 in emergencies.
Did you know that 1 in 6 New Zealanders are likely to experience major depressive mood at some stage in their lives?
This means that you are likely to know someone close to you who will experience Depression at some time.
Feelings of sadness or low mood are common and are normal responses when you are upset or experience stress as a result of but not limited to:
• A relationship breakdown
• The death of someone you know
• or losing a pet etc.
These feelings of sadness or low mood will usually diminish over time and they don’t normally stop you from enjoying day to day life.
When these feelings of sadness remain and feel permanent – this may be Depression. Some people describe this feeling as being ‘stuck’ and they feel they are unable to change.
Possible Symptoms of Depression
• Feeling tired most of the time, no energy and/or feeling irritable.
• Sleep – over sleeping or not being able to sleep much at all
• Difficulty with concentration
• Reduced sex drive
• Low self esteem
• Changes in weight – over eating or not eating much at all
• Thinking about harming yourself or death
• Feeling empty inside or lonely
• Not taking pleasure from things you used to enjoy
• Anxiety – worrying about things more than normal, feeling panicky, pounding heart, pain, or an uneasy feeling in your tummy.
What Can Cause Depression
There a lot of things that can cause Depression including:-
• Family history – Is the depressive gene in your family?
• Suffering from a significant traumatic event – stress, bullying, during or post pregnancy,
an accident or suffering from a long term illness
• Lifestyle – Are you a heavy or regular drinker of alcohol? Do you use recreational drugs
including Marijuana or party pills?
A good diet, feeling socially connected and getting regular sleep are all important in maintaining good mental health.
Talking to a Therapist Can Help!
Talking therapy is particularly helpful in finding ways to understand and combat feelings of a depressed mood. This means that you will find ways of identifying and talking about how you feel and then finding different ways to approach these feelings either in a practical way or by altering your way of thinking and viewing the situation.
You may also need to see your doctor so they can also monitor your wellbeing.
If you are in crisis – please call someone immediately.
The Crisis Assessment Team (Auckland) can be reached on 0800 800 717 in emergencies.