Depression and Other Mood Disorders

Although it is part of the human experience to sometimes feel sad or low occasionally, when these feelings prevail for long periods of time it can become hard to cope and perform everyday tasks.

Depression is a prevalent medical condition affecting 1 in 16 Australians every year. It is much more than just feeling sad, and can have implications on individuals social, physical, financial situations.

If you can recognise some of these symptoms in yourself, or in someone you know, for more than 2 weeks at a time, it may be time to seek professional help.

• When we continually feel ‘blue’ for no apparent reason
• Irritable
• Lost interest in things
• Loss or increase in appetite
• Desire to withdraw
• Suicidal tendencies
• Feel Exhausted
• Using alcohol, drugs or food to feel better
• Feeling unhappy, guilty or frustrated
• Experience negative thoughts like: ‘Life is too hard’, ‘What’s the point?’, ‘I’m worthless’