The Harsh Reality of Depression

On the 16^th 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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