

It’s important to note that you can’t always identify the cause of depression or change difficult circumstances. Alan, 68Įveryone is different and it’s often a combination of factors that can contribute to a person developing depression. The psychologist told me that if I continued to fight the system I would be back to see him in 18 months and this time he would be putting the pieces back together. It took a little while but because my stress levels were escalating I went to see my Doctor and she referred me to a psychologist. I was becoming very hard on my grandchildren. She told me I was changing and not for the better. My wakeup call came from one of my children. However, the management wanted to sweep both assaults under the carpet. They ignored my concerns.Īs it turned out myself and a colleague were the people who were injured. I had written to the management warning them that someone was going to be injured. The assault caused some physical injuries but it was the actions of the management that were the main contributor to my resulting depression. While working in a juvenile remand centre in Perth Western Australia, I was assaulted by an inmate.

There’s also a history of depression and anxiety in my family.” – Jaci, 33 “I experienced an unhappy and unsettled transition from school to university, a relationship breakup and stressful living circumstances. I was isolated from family and friends.” – Melissa, 37 Having to raise four children and a husband became hard work, and I had no time for myself. “For me, it was hereditary, stresses, and an emotionally abusive husband. However, recent events such as losing a job or a combination of events can ‘trigger’ depression in people who are already at risk because of past bad experiences or personal factors. Life events Research suggests that continuing difficulties, such as long-term unemployment, living in an abusive or uncaring relationship, long-term isolation or loneliness or prolonged exposure to stress at work, are more likely to cause depression than recent life stressors. Depression does not usually result from a single event, but from a combination of recent events and other longer-term or personal factors. While the exact cause of depression isn’t known, some things can be associated with its development. If the symptoms continue for more than two weeks it’s time to address them.

When we observe behaviour changes in ourselves or others, they maybe outward signs that the person is asking for help. They act in a way that is not what they normally do. Changes of behaviourĪ behaviour change is when someone starts to behave in a way that is not normal for them. If these symptoms resonate with you then depression may be the culprit. "Asking for help saved my life and I feel like a different person for it." Read Jacqui's story miserable or know someone who is? You may be suffering from depression and the time to see someone is now!.Emotionsĭepression can cause erectile dysfunction, a decrease in libido and an inability to enjoy sex How can you tell if you or a loved one is suffering from depression?ĭepression shows up in our thoughts, feelings and behaviour including negative thoughts about yourself, the future and the worldįeelings - includes our emotions and physical feelings. In some cases, one can lead to the onset of the other. Over half of those who experience depression also experience symptoms of anxiety. While depression and anxiety are different conditions, it is not uncommon for them to occur at the same time. Over 1 million adults in Australia experience depression every year and yet it’s one of the most misunderstood conditions, often confused with sadness, misery or unhappiness.Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide.On average, one in six people – one in five women and one in eight men – will experience depression at some stage of their lives.So just what is Depression? Let's start with the facts about depression If you feel like this it's possible that you are suffering from depression. I thought everyone was against me, so I couldn’t talk to anyone about what was happening or how I was feeling.” – Nerida, 51 Everything became so disorganised at home. Half of my dinner would end up in the bin. As time went on, I was waking up earlier and earlier, sometimes not sleeping at all. “I couldn’t eat, sleep or think straight. I felt isolated, inadequate and generally upset all the time – like nobody understood me and I was trapped on the other side of an invisible wall.” – Bradley, 18 “I felt empty… like the life was just being drained from me.
