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Depression

Wendy Bennett
Jun 10, 2015
2 min read

While depression is more widely known and spoken about I feel as though there are still some common misunderstandings and misconceptions about what depression, anxiety and other mental health issues actually are. So over the next few weeks I will be looking at different mental health issues and trying to debunk some of the myths surrounding them. This week I shall be looking at depression in particular.

As per the Australian Bureau of Statistics in 2011-12 there were 3million Australians who reported as having a mental health issue. This is a massive 13.6% if the population. Depression and anxiety were the most prevalent with 2.1million people (or 9.7%) having depression and 850k people (or 3.8%) having anxiety with higher rates of both showing in women.

Depression is more than feeling a little sad or low or down. The symptoms of depression include, but are not limited to, a persistent feeling of worthlessness, a loss of enjoyment in life, over or under sleeping, a change in appetite and possibly thoughts of death and suicide.

Depression is very difficult to spot from the outside looking in as those with depression have usually built up walls and are experts at putting on a mask. To the outside world they seem to have it all together and even be the life and soul of the party. It is only behind closed doors that they are able to release their true feelings which can then lead to a sense of isolation.

So, as a friend, what can you do? Talk openly and honestly about mental health issues with your girlfriends. Don't dismiss or belittle someone who has been diagnosed with a mental health issue during gossipy or chit chatty type conversations. If you are concerned for someone you know ask them, privately, if they are ok. Let them know you are there for them if they ever feel the need to talk.

Most important of all, please, think before you speak. When you are having a down or off day please refrain from saying "Gosh, I'm so depressed." This common quip adds to the general misconceptions surrounding depression and prevents people with mental health issues from coming forward.

There are so many great resources available where we can educate ourselves on mental health issues and therefore end the stigma attached to a diagnosis of a mental illness.

If you believe you may be suffering from depression please see your GP as soon as possible. The combination of medication and therapy has been shown to produce positive long term results for those suffering from depression.