Depression
DEPRESSION
We all get a bit down about things from lime to lime. About 40% of young people will have periods of unhappiness and sadness in the next six months but this may not be depression. Depression is when you can't shake those down feelings for a couple of weeks, you might experience behaviour, personality changes and your mood affects the things you usually do. This may indicate you are depressed and need to seek some help.
Other indicators of depression can include:
- Sadness or Irritability
- Difficultly concentrating
- Lack of energy, enthusiasm or motivaton
- Restlessness or agitators
- Change in eating or sleeping patterns
- Feeling of guilt or worthlessness
- Withdrawal from friends, family and previously enjoyed activities
- Putting yourself down and thinking your no good
- Suicidal thoughts or actions (thinking about hurting yourself or acing on it)
THINGS THAT MAY HELP
Like any other illness, to manage depression successfully it is a good idea to look at the treatment options available.
SPEAK TO A PROFESSIONAL
Psychologists, psychiatrists and counsellors are people who can listen to you and help work out ways of managing your experiences of depression. Your local doctor or community health centre is able to refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist. For information about how to find your local doctor or community health centre that may be able to help you phone us on 5531 1577.
MEDICATION
Medication may be helpful in managing depression. There are several different types of anti-depressant medication, which are prescribed by a doctor or psychiatrist and are usually taken along with speaking to a psychologist, psychiatrist or counsellor. It is a good idea to discuss your medication with your doctor you may like to ask about what options you have, how the medication will affect you and how to take the medication safely. Sometimes you may need to try a few different types before finding one that suits you, so if you find it is not helping go back and talk with your doctor.
ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES
Natural therapies such as acupuncture or naturopathy may also complement other treatment options. Your doctor should have more information about what these are and how they may help.
HOSPITAL
Sometimes if people are so depressed that they cannot see any options then it may be helpful for them to be admitted to hospital. During this lime they can receive the treatment they need that may help them to feel better.
Along with seeking treatment to manage depression there are number of things you can do that may help when you are feeling depressed.
TALKING TO SOMEONE
When things are tough it may be helpful to talk to someone you trust. This may be a family member, friend or someone Ike a counsellor or psychologist. It may be that you just have someone you trust hang out with you. Sometimes sharing how you feel can help you get through the hard times.
BEING PART OF A SUPPORT GROUP
Being part of a group of people who have similar experiences may be helpful in getting through the down times. Come in and have a chat to our Youth Worker who can help link you with a group in your local area.
EATING WELL AND BEING ACTIVE
It is not uncommon to have a change in your eating habits and become less active when you are feeling down. Research into depression has shown that exercise and eating well may help you to feel better about yourself. You may Ike to spend part of each day done something active, like going for a walk, run or swim. Stay away from fatty and highly processed foods, go for fruits and vegetables, drink plenty of water and stay away from alcohol.
KEEPING A JOURNAL
Keeping a journal may help to explore your feelings. Some people write regularly while others just write when stuff comes into their head. Some people also find it relaxing to write. You may want to write a poem or a story.
TAKING TIME OUT TO RELAX
It is a good idea to try and take a bit of each day to do something you enjoy. When you are feeling down it may be hard to be social or motivate yourself to do things. It may help to make a list of all the things you enjoy dung then plan to do something from this list each day.
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