Depression

The most important thing to understand about depression is that it will ‘distort’ your perspective. DO NOT trust your mind because almost every thought will be coloured with darkness and negativity, including: how you think about yourself; your work; your future; your past; and, your relationships. This is a very dangerous disorder. 

Feeling down from time to time is a normal part of life but depression changes how you think, feel, and function in ‘every’ daily activity. It will affect how you engage with everyone important to you and it will impair with your ability to work, study and enjoy life. Just trying to get through the day will be harder, and exhausting. Depression is always dangerous. Do not suffer this disorder. Immediately seek help.  

Common depression symptoms

  1. Depressed mood for most of the day, and nearly every day; often experienced as moments of intense or pervasive sadness.
  2. A sense of helplessness and hopelessness. A bleak outlook and the feeling that there is nothing you can do to improve your situation.
  3. Loss of interest in pleasant activities. You won’t have the motivation or desire to participate in hobbies, pastimes, social activities, or even sex. 
  4. Concentration and memory are impaired, and you will find it more difficult to learn new information. You will be forgetful and indecisive.
  5. Appetite or weight changes. Significant weight loss or weight gain; a change of more than 5% of body weight in a month.
  6. Sleep changes. Either insomnia especially in the early hours of the morning; or, oversleeping (You cannot get out of bed).
  7. Increasingly labile mood.  This may present as feeling frequently irritable/irritated, restless, or on edge. Your tolerance level is low, your temper short, and everything and everyone gets on your nerves. You worry more and might even experience anxiety/panic attacks.
  8. Loss of energy. Feeling sluggish and physically drained. Your whole body may feel heavy, and even small tasks are exhausting and will take longer to complete.
  9. Physical restlessness, agitation, and feeling unsettled. These behaviours will be noticed by others.
  10. You engage in escapist behaviour such as substance abuse,  compulsive gambling, reckless behaviour/driving, or potentially dangerous activities (promiscuous sex; dangerous sports etc.).
  11. Recurrent thoughts of death, recurrent suicidal ideation. Thinking that others would be better off if you were gone. Seeing death as ‘escape’ from suffering.  (Treat this symptom VERY seriously. IMMEDIATELY seek professional help!).
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Depression and Suicide Risk

When someone commits suicide it was not an act of free will. That person’s Mind was under the control of the dangerous symptoms of depression. If they had been free from this ‘treatable’ disorder they would never have considered suicide a reasonable option.

You should also know that when I worked in the Mental Health Service every single person who was admitted to the hospital following a suicide attempt said, “I never thought I would do it.” Every single person who survived a suicide attempt believed they would never act on their suicidal thoughts. This would be the same for those poor souls who did suicide. Treat suicidal thoughts very, very seriously; they can kill you.

The more of the below criteria you tick the more likely you are to kill yourself. Seek immediate help. Call the crisis line or go to your General Practitioner but DO SOMETHING because you are at very high risk!

  • I have suicidal thoughts.
  • I have been using alcohol, drugs, benzodiazepines. (This significantly increases the risk of suicide.).
  • I know how I would kill myself.
  • I am under a lot of stress at the moment.
  • I do not believe that anyone can help me. 
  • I have access to the means by which I could end my life. 
  • I have a sense of hopelessness.
  • I do not have any immediate supports.
  • I just need to escape. 

When you are mentally and emotionally exhausted you will find an irrational logic in ‘giving up’. It will feel like giving up is the answer. This is when you are most at risk! You are highly likely to make rash and ‘impulsive,’ bad decisions. If this is you IMMEDIATELY seek help. Contact a professional. DO IT NOW, your life is in danger!

  • If you are in a state of crisis and need immediate attention please phone 000 or the Mental Health Service ‘Crisis Assessment Team’ (phone your local hospital and ask for the ‘CAT Team’), or visit the Emergency Department of your local hospital. Alternatively, ‘LIFELINE’ offers 24hr anonymous counselling for people in crisis (ph. 13 11 14).

For family and friends

Depression is a major risk factor for suicide. Deep despair and hopelessness can make suicide feel like the only way to escape the pain. If you have a loved one with depression, take any suicidal talk or behaviour seriously and watch for the warning signs:

  • Talking about killing or harming one’s self.
  • Expressing strong feelings of hopelessness or being trapped.
  • An unusual preoccupation with death or dying.
  • Acting recklessly, as if they have a death wish (e.g. speeding through red lights).
  • Calling or visiting people to say goodbye.
  • Getting affairs in order (giving away prized possessions, tying up loose ends).
  • Saying things like “Everyone would be better off without me,” or “I want out.”
  • A sudden switch from being extremely down to acting calm and happy.

If you are concerned that a friend or family member is considering suicide, express your concern and immediately seek professional help. Talking openly about suicidal thoughts and feelings can save a life.

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