Depression

DEPRESSION

Depression is associated with emotions and feelings and affects many people in different ways. Some people might experience sadness with a feeling akin to being in a bottomless abyss, while others may feel no sadness, but instead, might experience feelings of apathy, emptiness, anger or aggression.

Feelings of sadness, with mood swings and an inability to cope are a normal reaction to the setbacks and disappointments we experience in life. A problem emerges when these feelings continually affect you on a day-to-day basis and interfere with your ability to do normal things such as eating, sleeping and working. Joy in life dissipates and you begin to feel worthless, giving up all hope to the extent where feelings of helplessness begins to set in.

Anger, shame and fear are also emotions associated with depression, along with physical symptoms such as nausea, aches and pains.

Relationships

Depression breeds doubts and can influence or affect how we relate to other people, especially in intimate relationships. Low self-esteem or lack of self-worth creates a negative inner dialogue causing one to feel insecure, unworthy and undeserving of love. With such a low sense of self, those that suffer depression find it difficult to accept comfort from others. Believing themselves to be unworthy, they doubt the sincerity of those that would offer comfort to them.

If you are feeling depressed or anxious you may suffer from some or all of the following common symptoms:

• Tiredness on waking – changes in sleeping patterns
• Disrupted sleep – difficulty getting back to sleep
• Having no energy or feeling physically drained
• Loss of interest in normal activities and hobbies
• Withdrawal, isolating yourself and a loss of interest in social activities
• You have become needier and more dependent on others
• Problems focusing and concentrating on normal everyday tasks
• Feelings of anger, aggression or irritability with a zero amount of tolerance towards others
• Intrusive and upsetting thoughts
• Becoming emotional, upset or weepy for no particular reason
• Loss of self-confidence, low self-esteem and negative self-talk (inner dialogue)
• Impulsive behaviours that lead to dangerous activities
• Lack of emotion altogether which can lead to thoughts of suicide or of harming oneself

If you are in need of understanding and support during a difficult time, then please reach out and contact us. 

ARE YOU FEELING SUICIDAL …

If you or a family member are contemplating suicide or harming yourself in some way and need immediate help and support, then please contact the following support numbers or click on the links that will take you to their websites.

Beyond Blue –1300 22 4636;  https://www.beyondblue.org.au/

Lifeline – 13 11 14; https://www.lifeline.org.au/

Kids Helpline (ages 5-25) – 1800 55 1800; https://kidshelpline.com.au/