What is Depression?
Depression is a mental health condition which currently affects many Australians. While we all feel sad, moody or low from time to time, some people experience these feelings intensely, for long periods of time (weeks, months or even years). These symptoms are experienced by everyone at some time in their life, however, this is different to the clinical condition also known as clinical depression. This condition is more intense, pervasive and long-lasting and interferes with day-to-day functioning, and is more than just a low mood – it’s a serious condition that has an impact on both physical and mental health.
Some common signs are:
- Significant changes in appetite and/or weight in the absence of dieting
- Difficulty sleeping or excessive sleeping
- Lethargy
- Restlessness
- Fatigue and loss of energy
- Feelings of worthlessness, helplessness or hopelessness, or excessive guilt
- Trouble concentrating or making decisions
- Decreased interest in sex
- Thoughts of suicide or a feeling that life is not worth living
Ritchie and Associates skilled psychologists can assist you if you are experiencing depressive symptoms. We have evidence-based treatments designed to assist you to quickly recover from depression and life-skills training to assist you to prevent further depressive episodes in your life. Please contact us so that we can help you to help yourself.
