It is estimated that, One in 20 Australians are affected by depression each year. Depression can happen to anyone, anytime, anywhere! Understanding and recognising the signs and symptoms of depression, and being educated, how they appear in different people, and where to go to get help are the key points in helping deal with depression.
Causes of Depression
The medical community does not fully understand the causes of depression. There are many possible causes, and sometimes, various factors combine to trigger symptoms.
Factors that are likely to play a role include:
- genetic features
- changes in the brain’s neurotransmitter levels
- environmental factors
- psychological and social factors
- additional conditions, such as bipolar disorder
Signs and symptoms
- a depressed mood
- reduced interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed
- a loss of sexual desire
- changes in appetite
- unintentional weight loss or gain
- sleeping too much or too little
- agitation, restlessness, and pacing up and down
- slowed movement and speech
- fatigue or loss of energy
- feelings of worthlessness or guilt
- difficulty thinking, concentrating, or making decisions
- recurrent thoughts of death or suicide, or an attempt at suicide
What is depression and what can I do about it? Sadness, feeling down, and having a loss of interest or pleasure in daily activities are familiar feelings for all of us. But if they persist and affect our lives substantially, the issue may be depression. Depression is the main cause of disability worldwide, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). It can affect adults, adolescents, and children.
Depression is a mood disorder that involves a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. It is different from the mood fluctuations that people regularly experience as a part of life.
Major life events, such as bereavement or the loss of a job, can lead to depression. However, doctors only consider feelings of grief to be part of depression if they persist.
Depression is an ongoing problem, not a passing one. It consists of episodes during which the symptoms last for at least 2 weeks. Depression can last for several weeks, months, or years. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com
“Depression is the start of many forms of mental illness and a huge contribution to Homelessness. Every year we see the figures in crease for homelessness and it is alarming. ” Mr Nilesh Nair
MBLA in 2020 is setting up online counselling to help cope with Depression before it gets to Homelessness.