The Harsh Reality of Depression
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- Health Series Summary
On the 16th of January 2006, the people of the state of Western Australia were shocked by the news that Premier Dr Geoff Gallop had resigned to aid his recovery from depression. Very few saw that coming; Dr Gallop had always presented himself as a man with a steady demeanor and a keen professionalism. He said that his decision to quit was extremely difficult to make but he admitted that he needed expert help to deal with “debilitating” depression.
His resignation and reasons given were hailed as “extraordinary public service”. His resignation marked a step forward in the destigmatisation of mental illness in Australia.
Gordon Parker, of Sydney’s Black Dog Institute, predicted Dr Gallop’s confession would assist other people, particularly men, in seeking help for their own mental health problems. “It’s a marker of how destigmatisation is proceeding in this country for a politician to be able to … openly use the word depression as a reason for stepping down”.
Professor Parker said Dr Gallop’s diagnosis was a reminder that “the black dog” did not respect rank or position. It can affect anybody at any time,” he said. Around one million Australian adults and 100,000 young people live with depression each year.
Dr Gallop is now a Professor and Director, Graduate School of Government at the University of Sydney, Australia. He gave a speech titled “Depression – past, present and future” at the launch of Beaton Consulting/beyondblue Annual Professions Survey, in Melbourne on the 23rd of April 2007. Below are some highlights from his speech.
- Since my own decision to seek medical help for depression early in 2006 I have learnt a good deal about myself and the condition which we have appropriately labelled “The Black Dog”
- However, in order to learn these things I had to acknowledge that I had a problem. Self help only follows when there is self awareness. By its very nature depression is a secret for whom there is no story-teller. Not talking about it is part of its definition.
- We hold it in as it tears away at our senses and our sensibility. It’s very personal and its very deep. We disconnect from the world and from others, with despair occasionally descending into a living hell.
What is Depression?
Depression is a mental disorder characterized by a pervasive low mood, low self-esteem, and loss of interest or pleasure in normally enjoyable activities. Depression is one of the most common of all mental health problems. One in five people experience depression at some stage of their lives.
Depression is more than just a low mood – it’s a serious illness. While we all feel sad, moody or low from time to time, some people experience these feelings intensely, for long periods of time and often without reason. People with depression find it hard to function every day and may be reluctant to participate in activities they once enjoyed. (beyondblue.org.au)
Types of Depression
- Major depression – a depressed mood that lasts for at least two weeks. This may also be referred to as clinical depression or unipolar depression.
- Psychotic depression – a state of depression so severe that the person loses contact with reality and suffers a variety of functional impairments. It is a depressed mood which includes symptoms of psychosis. Psychosis involves seeing or hearing things that are not there (hallucinations), feeling everyone is against you (paranoia) and having delusions.
- Dysthymia – is a type of low-grade depression typified by depressed mood that lasts for years.
- Mixed depression and anxiety – a combination of symptoms of depression and anxiety.
- Bipolar disorder – (formally known as manic depressive illness) – involves periods of feeling low (depressed) and high (manic). (Source)
Symptoms of Depression
- Self Esteem – Low self-esteem is a symptom of depression.
- Sleeping Patterns – Depression can lead to irregular sleep patterns and insomnia.
- Appetite – Depression tends to suppress most biological functions and drives related to hunger. Changes in appetite or weight may signal depression.
- Negative Emotions – Depression brings forth negative emotions such as pessimism, anger, guilt, irritability and anxiety.
- Emotional Rollercoaster – Varying emotions throughout the day, for example, feeling worse in the morning and better as the day progresses
- Hard to Please: Hobbies and interests may no longer be pleasing. Depression leads to lack of interest in activities or moments previously enjoyed.
- House of Pain: Depression may make one more susceptible to a host of pains and ailments.
- Changed sex drive: absent or reduced
- Concentration and Memory: some people are so impaired that they think that they are becoming demented.
- Reduced motivation: it doesn’t seem worth the effort to do anything, things seem meaningless.
There is a simple depression quiz on http://www.webmd.com/depression/depression-symptom-quiz that can be used to diagnose depression.
Antidepressants
An antidepressant is a psychiatric medication used for alleviating major depression. It is a class of drugs used to treat depression; and often have undesirable side effects.
Depression and suicide
Although most people who are depressed do not kill themselves, untreated depression can increase the risk of possible suicide. It is not uncommon for depressed individuals to have thoughts about suicide whether or not they intend to act on these thoughts. Up to 15% of those who are clinically depressed die by suicide. The deep despair and hopelessness that goes along with depression can make suicide feel like the only way to make the pain go away. If someone you know is threatening suicide or talking of wanting to hurt him/herself, seek professional help right away.
Useful Depression Links
- http://www.webmd.com/depression/default.htm
- http://www.beyondblue.org.au
- http://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clinical_depression
- http://www.helpguide.org/mental/depression_signs_types_diagnosis_treatment.htm
Summary
Depression is a serious mental problem that affects 1 in 5. It can lead to suicide on one extreme but for the vast majority of people, it is only mild, but enough to curtail happiness and achievement.
If you suspect you have depression, there is no shame in seeking medical assistance as illustrated by former WA premier Dr Geoff Gallop.
Do you have thoughts on depression that you would like to share with fellow readers? Have you ever been depressed? Do you know anyone who has gone through depression? Do you have a unique point or insight that you can add to this topic? I would love to hear your opinion. Thank you.
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We may not be able to control all the misfortunes and events that lead to mental and emotional distress that eventually lead to depression, in some instances these events are usually for our good in the long run, for instance breaking off from a bad relationship will cause you mental distress but eventually lead to a better you. However we have to cultivate a desire to take charge of our lives no matter how bad such events can be at times. I believe we are born with this drive, which we need to awaken to control how much we are willing to compromise our mental health, and consequently our success.
Thanks Dan, depression is a reality, we need to recognize that to raise above it.
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Daniel Ngari Reply:
April 4th, 2009 at 9:44 pm
@ Joy – You are right on this one. Some events or happenings that may seem terrible at the time, only serve to open more doors. When one door closes the other one opens.
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Thank you Alen for your brave confession, it is not in vain. It will inspire someone out there. Kudos
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Alen Wekesa Reply:
April 4th, 2009 at 6:11 pm
Thankyou Charity. Stay well and undepressed! LOL.
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Daniel Ngari Reply:
April 4th, 2009 at 9:45 pm
@ Charity – Yeah, it is a brave thing for Alen to do, and I sure hope it will inspire someone, one day.
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You don’t want to go through a depression. First time confession over the web and on this blog. I have never talked about this to anyone so I guess am breaking my rules here!!
About five years ago I went through one of the most horrid challenges that any man could ever go through in their lives. I made the consious and final decision to end my marriage after I believe two years of trying to save it. And because of the critical issues surrounding the breakup and the climax to the eventual breakup, and because I had loved this woman soo much, I thereafter went into a deep depression that affected me for along time. I would go days without sleep, my self esteem was at it’s lowest in all my 40 years on this planet and anything I put my mind to doing wasn’t done to perfection. I always saw my marriage breakup as a reflection of what else I wouldn’t deliver!
Things took a down turn when my close friends and family begun to notice things which weren’t me. And after their intervention I have been able to rebuild my self esteem from scratch. The controlling element that actually held the centre and stalled my spin to the final abyss was probably my natural instict for being a fighter. My will, strong will saved the day but DIDNT stop the depression. I think at the end of the day it’s what we do to get out than what precedes the depression.
The buck stops with us. We alone hold that valuable key that will unlock that dark side to a brighter day or lock us in to disaster in dead land!
[Reply]
Daniel Ngari Reply:
April 4th, 2009 at 4:58 pm
@ Alen – Thank you for sharing this personal story with us here. Sorry it has taken this long to respond but here we go.
I know it takes a lot of guts for a man to open up with others, leave alone in a public forum such as this. Thank you sharing and I hope someone who might be going through the same is inspired by your comment.
It is interesting that you mention that strong will alone will not keep depression at bay. I guess we have to build good relationships and support networks to insulate us against tough times. Thank you also for reminding us that if one finds himself depressed, all is not lost and can get out of it, though it may take time.
I know you have gone on to find love and wish you the best. Thanks mate.
[Reply]
Alen Wekesa Reply:
April 4th, 2009 at 6:08 pm
Thanks man. This blog is super. By the way breaking news: kumekucha is on twitter!!! KumekuchaChris. Follow him.
[Reply]
Daniel Ngari Reply:
April 4th, 2009 at 9:42 pm
@ Alen – Thanks. Am now following Kumekucha.
You don’t want to go through a depression. First time confession over the web and on this blog. I have never talked about this to anyone so I guess am breaking my rules here.
About five years ago I went through one of the most horrid challenges that any man could go through in their lives. I made the consious and final decision to end my marriage after I believe two years of trying to save it. And because of the critical issues surrounding the breakup and the climax to the eventual breakup, and because I had loved this woman soo much, I thereafter went into a deep depression that affected me for along time. I would go days without sleep, my self esteem was at it’s lowest in all my 40 years on this planet and anything I put my mind to doing wasn’t done to perfection. I always so my marriage breakup as a reflection of what else I wouldn’t deliver!
Things took a down turn when my close friends and family beun to notice things which weren’t me. And after their intervention I have been able to rebuild my self esteem from scratch. The controlling element that actually held the centre and stalled my spin to the final abyss was probably my natural instict for being a fighter. My will, strong will saved the day DIDNT stop the depression. I think at the end of the it’s what we do to gt out than what precedes the depression.
The buck stops with us. We alone hold that valuable key that will unlock that dark side to a brighter day or lock us to disaster in dead land!
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Hey Dan,
Depression is a disease.. am telling you! God forbid that there can be depression.. I speak the oil of joy to anyone that is reading this blog..
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Hi peeps,
hope you enjoying the cool weather in bed if ur in Perth.Thanks Daniel for the post its a brave move.
Mental illness can lead to a dilapidated lifestyle and unfavorable results.
The big question should probably be what causes depression? They are many factors that can cause this, but the underlying cause is when our sense of being or ideas of who we are threatened and we try and resist it.
Mental illness i think has been misunderstood for a very long time , Not surprisingly, most people who are depressed usually still remain depressed even after medication. I am not for antidepressants, besides that factor that it can help in some serve cases.
Dorothey rowe has been in the for front of research that has completely changed the understanding of mental illness. I recommend everyone read Dorothy Rowe’s articles and work of reasearch.(http://www.dorothyrowe.com.au/) i bet this will change your life.
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Daniel Ngari Reply:
April 4th, 2009 at 5:00 pm
@ John – The weather in Perth has been better with the hot summer gone. It is true not many people understand mental illness. Thanks for sharing the Dorothy Rowe’s resource.
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