Many people think that depression is only associated with people who are ‘unable to get out of bed’. But for many the symptoms of depression can be much more subtle. Have you been feeling down? Flat? Blue? Struggling with low energy and motivation? Most of us have the occasional times where we might feel a bit down. However many people – around one person in every five – will experience feeling depressed at some point in their life.
Depression
Are you looking for personalised help with depression and live on the Gold Coast?
Typical signs of depression can include a lack of energy and motivation, not enjoying things that you usually do, struggling to think and feel positively about things, disordered sleeping and feeling hopeless and bleak about the future.
There are also different types of depression.
For example, some women may experience depression during pregnancy or postnatal depression after childbirth. Others might experience severe mood swings from depression to feeling ‘high’ or super-energised and may meet a diagnosis for Bipolar Disorder (or what used to be called manic depression).
(Be aware that depression is different to the grief we may feel when someone we care about dies).
Symptoms of depression vary from person to person, as does the severity of the depression. Someone who is ‘clinically depressed’ has numerous symptoms that have persisted for longer than two weeks. Many people experiencing depression can benefit from talking with a psychologist or counsellor, including people taking antidepressant medication.
Beyondblue Anxiety and Depression Checklist
If you would like to take a simple ‘depression test’ to see if you might be experiencing depression symptoms, you can click on the links below. Please note that the results of a depression quiz should not replace a proper assessment made by a health professional.
Compassionate, professional help is available
If you would like to talk with a mental health professional, please contact Tess Collie for more information or to make an appointment. More information about depression, and depression treatment, is available through our Resources page.