Depression

Depression is much more than feeling sad or in a low mood after a disappointing or distressing experience. Depression is a serious mental and physical illness that changes how a person thinks, feels and behaves. People with depression need professional help and sometimes medicines to get better.

Signs and symptoms

Depression can affect a person’s thoughts, feelings, mood, behaviour and physical wel being.
Symptoms include:

• Los of motivation, interest and enjoyment in life
• Feeling sad, hopeless, helpless, in despair
• Feeling worthless, guilty, low self esteem
• Feeling restless, irritable, agitated, anxious
• Difficulty sleeping or sleeping to much
• Appetite and weight changes
• Tiredness, los of energy
• Trouble thinking, concentrating and making decisions
• Thoughts of suicide or death
• Problems with sexual function or loss of interest in sex
• Headaches and muscle pains
• Constipation or diarrhoea.

Important

• It is normal to feel sad and in a low mood after a major or distressing event. However, if low feelings become overwhelming or last for more than two weeks and are associated with other symptoms of depression, consult a doctor.
• Feelings of hopelessnes and despair can lead to thoughts of suicide and self harm. These thoughts are serious and dangerous.

If you experience these thoughts, seek help.

If you have any of these symptoms, talk to your doctor. Parents are encouraged to be alert to these symptoms in teenagers.

Cause

Anyone can develop depression at any age, but it is more common in people with a family history of depression. It is thought to be at least partly due to a chemical imbalance in the brain and is often triggered by a combination of factors.

Factors that may contribute to an episode of depression include:

• Emotional stres (e.g., los of a loved one, a relationship breakdown)
• Hormonal changes (e.g., postnatal depression after childbirth)
• Isolation or lonelines
• Unemployment
• Alcohol, nicotine and drug abuse
• Medicines (e.g., some hormones; pain relievers; blood pressure, heart, cancer and psychiatric medicines)
• Medical conditions (e.g., cancer, diabetes, HIV, stroke, thyroid problems)
• Pain
• Poor physical health or physical disability
• Personality type
• Other mental illnesses (e.g., anxiety, dementia, schizophrenia).

Treatment

Treatment often involves several different strategies and depends on the type and severity of the depression.

Talking and support

Talking is often the first step in managing depression and psychological therapies (e.g., counselling and cognitive behaviour therapy) are important treatments.

Local doctors, psychiatrists, psychologists and some counsellors can help with these therapies.

Medicines

Antidepressant medicines can correct the balance of chemicals in the brain. There are many types of antidepressants and a person may need to try several antidepressants before finding one that suits them.

• Antidepressant medicines:
• Must be prescribed by a doctor
• Are not addictive
• Are most effective when combined with psychological therapy
• May take 6-8 weeks to work, although some people get benefits sooner always be stopped gradually, with a doctor’s supervision
• Can interact with other medicines, including non-prescription and complementary medicines - ask a doctor or pharmacist
• Alcohol and certain foods must be avoided while taking some antidepressant medicines - ask a pharmacist.

Note: Consult a doctor before using complementary therapies to manage depression.

Self Care

• Learn about depression and its treatment.
• Ask for help. Depression is an illness, not a weakness.
• Some people find it helpful to write down their thoughts and feelings.
• Let family and friends know how you are feeling. Even though they may not fully understand what you’re going through, they may be able to give you extra support.
• Learn and practice techniques to relax your body and mind.
• Eat regular, healthy meals, including plenty of fruit, vegetables and grains. Limit foods high in fat, sugar or salt.
• Exercise at a moderate level for at least 30 minutes on al or most days of the week- exercise can help improve your mood and physical health.
• Limit or stop cigarettes and caffeine (e.g., tea, coffee, cola) - these may make anxiety worse. Ask a doctor or pharmacist for advice.
• Follow ‘low-risk’ drinking guidelines for alcohol or stop drinking alcohol. Ask a doctor or pharmacist for advice.
• Look after yourself. Do some things that you enjoy.

Getting help

There are many organisations that provide help and support for people with depression and for their families and friends. Ask a doctor or pharmacist or contact one of the organisations listed below.

Related fact cards

• Anxiety
• Medicines & Driving (web site only–ask your pharmacist)
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Relaxation Techniques
• Sleeping Problems

For more information

A doctor – listed under ‘Medical Practitioners’ in the yellow pages of the phone book.

Beyond blue – phone 130 2 4636 or website www.beyondblue.org.au

Community health and mental health centres – listed in the front of your local white pages.

HealthInsite – website www.healthinsite.gov.au

Kids Help Line – phone 180 5 180 (24 hours, Australia-wide) or website www.kidshelp.com.au

Lifeline – phone 13 1 14 (24 hours, Australia-wide) or website www.lifeline.org.au

Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service(VVCS) – phone 180 01 046 (freecal from anywhere in Australia) or website www.dva.gov.au/health/vvcs/vvcs.htm

Salvation Army Support Services – under ‘S’ in the white pages of the phone book.

The MoodGYM – website www.moodgym.anu.edu.au

Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) leaflets – your pharmacist can advise on availability.

NPS Medicines Line – phone 130 88 763 Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm EST.

The Poisons Information Centre – in case of poisoning phone 131 126 from anywhere in Australia.

Pharmacy Self Care Support – phone 130 369 772 and ask for the Pharmacy Self Care Field Officer.
Pharmacists are medicines experts. Ask a pharmacist for advice when choosing a medicine.

Pharmacy Self Care is committed to providing current and reliable health information.
Information in this card was current at the time of printing: Published April 2008.
Information expires April 2009. ©Pharmaceutical Society of Australia www.psa.org.au