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1 in 5 of us may feel depressed at some time in our lives. Depression can be a debilitating mood disorder that affects sufferers both emotionally and physically.
We all feel low or unhappy from time to time. Life has a habit of presenting us with unexpected challenges that put us under pressure or make us feel vulnerable. We might experience tensions with friends or family, be snowed under at work, have financial worries, or be saddened by grief. Sometimes the reason we feel down isn’t even clear. But, in time, the worries subside and life returns to normal.
Are you depressed or just feeling down?
Clinical or ‘major’ depression is quite different to just ‘feeling down’. Not only does the low feeling not fade, but it can intensify to a feeling of extreme hopelessness and an inability to function normally.
How many of these symptoms of depression do you experience?
- I feel at times that nobody like me
- I have lost my self esteem and am not as confident as I used to be
- I feel like a failure
- I have thought about harming myself
- I feel hopeless and at times think life is not worth living
- The pleasure and happiness has gone out of my life - I feel sad and 'down in the dump' all the time
- I’ve stopped doing things that I used to enjoy
- I’ve noticed physical changes such as sleeping / eating issues, fatigue and stomach upsets
>> Try our quick self assessment questions for depression
Episodes of depression may also be related to other disorders such as bipolar, anxiety, post traumatic stress, or an addiction.
If left undiagnosed and untreated, clinical depression can lead to deep feelings of isolation and helplessness, culminating potentially in suicidal thinking. When things reach this level, action must be taken to avoid a crisis.
If you feel as if you want to harm yourself, you need to ask for help immediately.
Please, talk to someone. Call:
Depression distorts our thinking
When you are depressed, it’s very difficult to think that anyone understands or even cares. Feelings of worthlessness and powerlessness can sometimes overwhelm your rational thoughts.
The important thing to remember is that your feelings are real. You don’t need to have a reason for feeling this way. Think of this as an emotional injury: you have as much right to ask for help as someone who has an obvious physical injury or is in chronic pain.
Reaching out for help with depression
It’s easy to reach out to South Pacific Private. Our experienced, caring staff are here to listen to your needs and talk to you about our range of treatment options, for the differing levels of severity that exist within depression.
You can talk one-on-one with us over the phone, or at an obligation free, no cost assessment appointment, to find the solution that’s right for you. Enquiries about our treatment options from concerned families and friends are welcome.
Feel free to contact us at a time that suits you. We can be reached by confidential email or by calling 1800 063 332.
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