Mental Health

Feeling down (depression)

The word depression is often used to describe feelings of sadness which all of us experience at some stage in our lives. It is also a term to describe 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 faced with stress, such as the loss of a loved one, relationship breakdown or great disappointment or frustration, most people will feel unhappy or sad. These are emotional reactions, which are appropriate to the situation and will usually last only a limited time. These reactions are not regarded as clinical depression, but are a part of everyday life.

Just because you are depressed it doesn't mean 'you are suffering from depression'. Everyone has mood swings / off days. Without the troughs there would not be the peaks. It is normal and healthy to grieve about losses. It is OK to talk about it even if you are a bloke. It helps to get things off your chest.

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What helps, what can I do?

Good for you	Bad for you
Exercise Relaxation Medication when required Talking to mates	Smoking Denying the need to seek help Alcohol - depresses the central nervous system and can make depression worse Social isolation Abusing medication / other drugs Violence

Where can I go for help?

• Who you talk to is up to you - as long as you feel safe and comfortable trusting them with your thoughts and feelings.
• Some other suggestions for whom you can talk to include:
  Informal - Family, friends, team mates, colleagues
  Professionals - Your doctor, counsellor - either private or VVCS, a Priest.

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