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Depression or Clinical Depression means a mental state of depressed mood disorder characterized by a pessimistic sense of inadequacy, feelings of low Self-esteem, despair, withdrawal from interpersonal contact, discouragement and a despondent lack of interest or pleasure in activities and often with suicidal thoughts or self blame, which continues beyond a few weeks and interferes with daily living, including eating and sleep. 

There is no single cause of Depression.  Early life experience, genetic predisposition, lifestyle factors, and certain personality traits may all contribute to bring on Depression.

Risk factors for Depression incl:
  • Loneliness
  • Lack of social support
  • Recent stressful life experiences
  • Family history of depression
  • Marital or relationship problems
  • Financial strain
  • Early childhood trauma or abuse
  • Alcohol or drug abuse
  • Unemployment or underemployment
  • Health problems or chronic pain

Symptoms of Depression include:

  • Loss of interest or pleasure in most activities
  • Significant change in weight or appetite
  • Being unable to sleep or needing excessive sleep
  • Agitation or lethargy
  • Loss of sexual drive
  • Fatigue or loss of energy
  • Lack of concentration
  • Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
  • Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide

 

 

 

 

Depression is an abnormal state that persists for weeks or months.  It is not under conscious or volitional control, although others may say ‘why don’t you snap out of it’, which is the very last thing a person suffering Depression.

 

 

 

Depression can be classified either as -

(i)         unipolar, involving Depression only, or

(ii)        bipolar, where the person swings from periods of deep Depression to episodes of mania characterised by an extreme elevation of mood, over-activity, reduced need for sleep and loss of inhibitions.

Most of us casually use the word "depressed" when we’re feeling a little down.  Feeling sad, however, is a perfectly normal and generally short-lived human experience known as Mild Depression.

Section 3.IV.(e)  beyondblue: Opening our Eyes to Cost of Depression in the Workplace - "Depression costs the Australian economy $3.3 billion in lost productivity each year.   Six million working days are lost with another 12 million days of reduced productivity." 

Gordon Parker, Director of the Black Dog Institute says, "individuals who recover from clinical depression frequently rate exercise as the single most important factor".