We all go through ups and downs during life. We have those moments of elation and those moments when we feel sad or down. Feeling down from time to time is not unusual, but when those moments seem to hang on and just won’t let go, it might mean you have depression.
Depression is one of the most common widespread mental health conditions globally and affects approximately 280 million people worldwide. About 1 out of every 6 adults will experience depression at some point in time during their life. Depression is more than just feeling down. Some people describe it as feeling numb or “living in a black hole.” If you have depression, you may have:
feelings of hopelessness, guilt, or worthlessness
a persistent feeling of loneliness or sadness
difficulty concentrating
a loss of interest in enjoyable activities
a lack of energy
trouble sleeping
changes in your appetite
restlessness or irritability
thoughts of death or suicide
Depression can look different from person to person, and the intensity of each symptom can also vary. You don’t necessarily have to experience every one of these symptoms to be diagnosed with depression. There are many ways to find support and help to manage your symptoms. You can start by using MyCompass.
MyCompass is a personalised self-help tool for depression, stress, anxiety & other mental health issues. It will help you to learn new ways to deal with thoughts, feelings & behaviours that cause you trouble. You will have a tool-kit of strategies to use when you need them. Best results are seen with active use for a minimum of seven weeks. When used correctly, this program enables lasting improvements to mood, anxiety & stress levels. The program has 14 interactive learning activities, each include up to three 10 – 15 minute sessions that you can complete in your own time. You’ll learn skills and strategies taught by doctors & psychologists to make positive changes in your life. You can start by taking the Depression & Anxiety screener to help you learn whether you have symptoms of depression and/or anxiety. The more symptoms an employee has, the more likely it is that he or she is depressed or anxious.
MyCompass go to: https://www.mycompass.org.au/
Other Digital resources go to: https://eapassist.com.au/digital/
