Everyone feels 'down' or that they're having a 'bad day' occasionally. But if you've been sad, moody, angry, tearful, unable to sleep or concentrate, and have lost interest in doing things you used to enjoy, for more than a couple of weeks, the chances are that you are depressed.
Depression and anxiety (over-worrying about events that unlikely to occur) are common, but are commonly untreated mental health issues for a large number of people.
In Australia, anxiety affects around 14% of the population, and depression 6%, and these figures only refer to those who seek assistance. Around 54% of our population do not access treatment, and often turn to alcohol and/or other drugs to self-medicate. There is also a high rate of mortality by suicide as a result of untreated depression and other mental health issues.
Seeking the help of your G.P. and other mental health professionals you can trust, is important, and can make a big difference to your quality of life. Reach out to someone now. For all mental health issues, RECOVERY is the rule, not the exception.
For helpful information, online counselling and support for yourself or a loved one, contact:
- The Black Dog Institute - www.blackdoginstitute.org.au
- Beyondblue - www.beyondblue.org.au / 1300 22 4636
- SANE - www.sane.org / 1800 18 SANE
- Lifeline - 13 11 14
- Parent Line NSW - 1300 30 1300
- Kids Helpline - www.kidshelpline.com.au / 1800 55 1800
- MensLine - 1300 78 99 78
- Suicide Call Back Service - 1300 659 467
- The NSW Mental Health Helpline - 1800 011 511
