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Depression and anxiety explained
The word depression is often used to describe the feelings of sadness which all of us experience at some stage of our lives. It also describes a form of mental illness called clinical depression.
Because depression is so common, it is important to understand the difference between unhappiness or sadness in daily life and the symptoms of clinical depression.
When we’re faced with stress – caused by the loss of a loved one, or a relationship breakdown, or great disappointment or frustration, or anything at all – most of us feel unhappy or sad. But these emotions will usually last only a limited time. They are not regarded as clinical depression, but as a part of everyday life.
Clinical depression describes not just one illness but a group of illnesses. In all of them, the person affected has an excessive or long-term depressed mood, which affects their life. Clinical depression is often accompanied by feelings of anxiety. Whatever the symptoms and causes of depression, treatment can be very effective.
Depression
Depression is common. People of all ages, cultures and backgrounds can experience depression. The symptoms of depression vary in severity and from person to person. They can range from feeling irritable to feeling suicidal.If you’re suffering from depression, the good news is that safe and effective treatments are available. But the first step to progress is in recognising the symptoms. Do any of the symptoms listed below seem familiar? If so, it’s important to seek help as soon as possible:
- increased moodiness
- memory and concentration problems
- feelings of sadness, anxiety or avoidance of certain situations
- unusual behaviour that is out of character
- lack of enthusiasm and energy
- feeling unworthy
- irritability and sensitivity
- social withdrawal
- feelings of hopelessness
- losing interest in the activities of others
- headaches, backaches or digestive complaints without a proper medical explanation
- loss of interest in food or exercise
- increased alcohol and drug use
- reckless behaviour
- difficulty in sleeping
- fatigue, pain, or
- suicidal thoughts.
Causes of depression
There is hardly ever just one specific cause of depression. Some people seem more likely to become depressed than others. Sometimes depression may happen without an apparent cause. At other times coping with stressful events may contribute to becoming depressed. Examples might include:- the death of someone you love
- an accident or illness
- changing accommodation, or
- family crises.
- trying to make ends meet on a low income
- being unemployed
- being a long-term carer for a dependent person, or
- feeling lonely.
Having unhappy experiences in childhood or in relationships can increase the risk of becoming depressed later in life. Equally, good experiences such as a close relationship with a parent or friend or having a purpose in life can reduce the risk of depression.
The link between ageing and depression
Most surveys show that depression is not that common amongst older people living at home who remain in good health. But there does seem to be a link between disability and depression, as well as bereavement, loneliness, chronic pain, social isolation and the loss of independence.However, none of these in themselves create depression. For example, it’s normal to grieve for a loved one, but if this turns to depression it must be recognised and treated.
Depression is often not well recognised or detected in older people. Quite often symptoms of depression, such as problems with sleeping, are mistakenly dismissed in older people as just age-related. Doctors sometimes may assume that problems with memory or concentration are due to age-related changes in thinking, rather than being due to depression. Sometimes depression co-exists with dementia and this can make the specific diagnosis difficult. So it’s important to have a thorough medical and psychological assessment.
There also seems to be a link between physical illnesses causing disability, and disability in turn causing depression. Bereavement, chronic pain and having to become more dependent upon others for care can lead to a sense of a loss of dignity and independence, which may cause someone to become depressed. Another risk factor for depression in older persons is becoming socially isolated.
These situations -- such as disability, loss and loneliness – may be more common in older people. But this doesn’t mean that becoming clinically depressed as a reaction to them is normal. It is normal to grieve when faced with loss, but depression is a more severe and persistent sadness. Depression should always be investigated and treated appropriately.
Read more: About grief, loss and support
Where to get help:
- your doctor
- a counsellor or a psychologist
- a community mental health service
- Lifeline on 131 114.
- beyondblue
- Mental Health Foundation on 03 9427 0407.