Are you supporting a family member or friend with depression?
This can be a stressful, overwhelming and isolating experience.
Here is some more information to help you understand what your loved one is going through and how to help yourself.
What is Depression?
In Australia, depression is most commonly described as feeling of sadness. People who are depressed experience an extended period of sadness or a negative mood, rather than a brief reaction of sadness to a stressful or difficult situation. In a depressed state, the brain and body do not function as well as they do in a non-depressed state.
Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions. In 2012, approximately 2.1 million people, almost 10% of the Australian population, were reported to be living with depression. This to highlight that you, or your loved one, are not alone and help is available.
Symptoms of Depression
- Sad or irritable mood
- Loss of interest in pleasurable activities, including those that were once pleasurable
- Unplanned weight loss
- Insomnia or hypersomnia
- Reduced energy
- Feelings of guilt
- Poor concentration
- Indecisiveness
- Recurrent thought of death and suicide
As a result of these symptoms, people with depression find it difficult to undertake their usual activities of daily living.
What causes Depression?
Many different factors can contribute to depression, instead of one single cause.
- Stressful and challenging circumstances such as disease, loss of a loved one, loss of a job, financial issues and relationship problems
- Personality and genetic vulnerabilities
- Childhood experiences and trauma
- Biochemistry
- Poor lifestyle choices such as alcohol, drugs or poor nutrition
Treatments of Depression
People who are depressed show an imbalance in their biochemistry or a deficiency of neurotransmitters in their brain that contribute to feeling ‘happy’ emotions. This is why medication can be a useful method of treatment. Talking therapies such as counselling have been evidenced as the most successful treatment of depression.
It is really important that the person experiencing depression seeks help to address the contributing factors, by making healthy lifestyle changes and speaking to a health professional, such as a GP, about their feelings. Health professionals will be able to comprehensively assess your individual situation and make key recommendations for treatment.
The recovery rates for depression are very positive and effective treatment is available.
Depression is for life.
Absolutely not.
Effective treatment is available, and many people successfully recover from depression.
Depression will lead to suicide.
No.
Most people who are depressed or who have lived with depression do not commit suicide, although some do and any talk of suicide should be taken seriously. Encourage them to talk about their feelings with you or suggest they call an anonymous 24/7 helpline.
How to help your loved one
The best way to help someone experiencing a mental health challenge or illness, is to offer a listening ear and let them know you are there for them.
Often, we have a strong desire to ‘fix’ or ‘solve’ someone else’s problem, however this is not your role and should be left to a professional. The best thing you can do is to help them find an appropriate service though a GP, mental health phone line, mental health service or by searching online.
How to help yourself
Having someone close to you who lives with mental health challenges can be exhausting, frustrating, confusing and isolating. But you don’t have to go through it alone.
HelpingMinds offers free and confidential support to people who are caring for someone living with mental health challenges. We offer free counselling, support groups, rest and revive activities, school holiday programs, family programs, youth programs and advocacy to people living in WA.
