Recognising Depression In People

The following information is designed to assist you if you think you or someone you know may be or is becoming depressed. Depression affects everyone in a different way and what follows is only a general guide. If in doubt always consult your Doctor and get professional help.

 Depression is not a normal part of ageing

Many people think that depression is just a normal part of ageing, this is not so, it is brought on by a number of feelings and emotions some of which are listed below.   

•         Feeling low,
•         Not wanting to do usual activities,
•         Not wanting to get up in the morning,
•         Not sleeping
•         Feeling worthless
•         Poor concentration
•         Recurrent thoughts of death
•         Feeling isolated.

If you have been experiencing any or all of these for more that two weeks or so then you may be becoming depressed, these symptoms can also be felt by younger people too. For older people many reasons may contribute to the symptoms above, it may be that close family have moved away, you may have just retired, you may have lost a loved one, the reasons are many and varied and will be different for everyone. These symptoms can be overcome, being depressed is a medical condition and it can be treated but you do need to take an active part in that treatment.   

Some interesting statistics show that 1in 5 people suffer from depression in Australia, so if you equate that to the same number of people who live in Adelaide that’s a lot of people, the statistics are even higher for people living in residential care.   Current thinking is that by the year 2021 that number will have doubled.  Scary isn’t it!  At the moment only 32% of people with depression are getting some form of treatment.  Even more scary!!!

 

Many people who suffer depression and don’t get treatment consider the “stigma” too much; they just cannot face the prospect of publicly admitting that they are depressed, Yes the word STIGMA describes the biggest barrier to people seeking help with depression, they are afraid of what others will think of them to the detriment of their own well being and quality of life in the future.

Depression is a health problem NOT a weakness, Depression is just like any other illness – it can be treated and most people can recover from it. You will have heard the sayings “She’s got to get over it”  ‘He needs to pull his socks up’ “everyone gets a bit low or down at times’  

Yes everyone does get a bit down at times and that is a normal part of life but if that feeling continues for a couple of weeks or more and we can’t be bothered to do our normal things and loose interest in our day to day activities that’s when we should be aware that it is maybe depression and that we do need to seek help.

Often these feelings can be related to other outside factors such as learning to live with a chronic condition such as diabetes, heart problems, arthritis etc., constant pain, grief or loss, side effects from medication, retirement or moving house and the changes in lifestyle that brings about.  Worries about the future are a common cause of depression but sometimes there is no known reason, it just happens.   

Throughout history a lot of famous people have suffered from depression and these include, Gary McDonald, John Cleese, Germaine Greer, Winston Churchill, Dawn Fraser, Buzz Aldrin, Mozart and Harry Lawson to name but a few and as we now know all these people have gone on to lead fruitful lives despite the depression.

Depression is a treatable illness

So now we know that it is treatable and it is not just a normal part of ageing how can we help ourselves to overcome the effects of the risks? The following list gives you some ideas on how to do just that, you won’t be able to do them all, just try the ones that apply most to your feelings, remember we are all different, what works for one person may not work for another.   

•         Be aware of the early warning signs of depression
•         Prepare for retirement
•         Try to reduce stress in your life
•         Learn stress management  
•         Read some recommended self help books to manage   your mood.
•         Learn some relaxation and problem solving skills.
•         Find out about community groups and social activities for your age group.
•     If you have chronic pain discuss pain management techniques, such as relaxation, gentle exercise and         medication with your GP.
•         Look after your health with regular activity and health check ups.
•         Volunteer your time to a group.

Of course you may not be the only person with depression or you may just live with or care for someone who is, if this is the case there are some things you can do to help them and also yourself at the same time. The list that follows are just a few suggestions you may be able to think of others depending on your personal circumstances.   

•          Be willing to lend a friendly ear
•         Visit them regularly
•         Offer to go out shopping or to activities with them
•         Cook and share a meal
•         Volunteer.

Seeking help for depression

Treatments range from simple exercise programs that can be done as individuals or in groups, to psychological and or drug therapy, or a combination of all of these.  It has been proven that there is a very high success rate in all of these treatments and modern drugs used are not generally addictive.  But the thing to remember is the best treatment is the one that works for YOU not the one that may have worked for your neighbor, friend or workmate.   

The first step is a visit to a GP, it is very important to get an accurate diagnosis at this point so choosing a GP who has had mental health training is desirable.  He / she will first look for a possible physical reason such as a side effect of medications etc, Then give you information about depression and what help is available, this may involve a referral to the mental health team / services.  If you are not comfortable with the diagnosis or doctor do not hesitate to get help from another GP. Remember, the earlier the treatment is started the faster the recovery.

There is a LOT of support and information available

There is a lot of information available for you in both verbal and paper based varieties. There is also a lot of information available on the internet, all information should be used carefully, try to find out if it is authoritative, i.e. from a recognized source, valid, i.e. not outdated and refers to people such as you, i.e. in the same age group, gender etc. Much of the information on the internet and some pamphlets is sponsored by drug companies who have a vested interest and therefore will “push” their products over other possible treatments. Just being aware of this will help you decide what is valid for you. Listed below are some suggestions that may help you.   

•         Doctors and specialists
•         Pharmacist
•         In Our Hands’ Resource Centre
•         Internet
•         Local health services, Hospitals, community health etc.
•         PATS (Patients Assisted Transport Scheme)
•         Library
•         Clinics
•         Practice nurses

Summary

There is so much information out there and it all has one aim, to keep you healthy and enjoying an active life. Getting the right information and understanding more about the illness is the first step in the recovery of depression and anxiety.

Remember

"GET TREATMENT, GET WELL, GET INVOLVED, AND GET BACK INTO LIFE."