One of the most common mental health conditions in the world today is depression. However, of an even bigger concern is the stigma and labels associated to clients with depressive symptoms. This can have a detrimental affect on individuals that may be suffering symptoms of depression, and as such Positive Connections staff are conscious of the stigma and labels which result in a more comfortable process addressing depressive symptoms for our clients.

Depression can be split into two main areas, those with a condition as diagnosed as depression and those individuals that may be feeling depressed. The distinction may appear to be only slight, however for individuals it can have a major impact. Of the utmost importance is how counsellors treat the symptoms.

The use of the term depression, within this page, indicates the interchangeability for both the condition and the feelings of depression. However, please do not self diagnose, and do not discount any feelings you may have that are typical of feeling blue or down.

Depression can affect individuals of any age and gender. Although people may feel down or blue at times within their life, clinically diagnosed depression is a serious mental health concern which impacts not only individuals mental, however, physical well-being. There is a comprehensive checklist to determine if an individual is potentially suffering symptoms of depression, which, if left untreated may result in a diagnosis of depression.

Please take the Beyond Blue Depression Symptoms Checklist Here

What are the symptoms of depression?

1. Low mood which may include feelings of sadness and emptiness
2. Guilt or feelings of worthlessness and negative thoughts
3. Lack of interest in activities that you once enjoyed
4. Reduced emotional control
5. Lack of concentration and/or indecisiveness
6. Sleep problems, such as insomnia and hypersomnia (too much sleep)
7. Loss of appetite and change in diet
8. Tiredness, loss of energy
9. Recurrent thoughts of death and suicide. Important: If you are feeling suicidal, it is very important to seek immediate support by calling Lifeline - a 24 hour telephone counselling service on 13 11 14 and talk to a trained counsellor now.

For a diagnosis to be made by a mental health practitioner, five or more of the above mentioned depressive symptoms would have to be present during the same two-week period and must represent a significant change from the person's previous mood and functioning.

Again, please do not self-diagnose. If you believe that you have symptoms of depression consult with a mental health practitioner immediately.

What are the different types of depression?

The main types of depression are:

1. Combined anxiety and depression
2. Major depressive disorder
3. Postnatal depression
4. Bipolar mood disorder
5. Adjustment disorder with depressed mood

How can Positive Connections assist?

Positive Connections is private professional practice that provides counselling services to individuals and families in the cities of Casey and Cardinia. If you are having problems with what you believe are potentially depressive symptoms, have been asked to seek counselling by a GP, or, if you are a family member that requires assistance to provide a positive intervention and assist someone you love, please call us, 9704 9500.

Together we can find a way.