Read over the following statements and answer ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ as they relate to your life.
- Are you feeling fatigued, dejected, ‘down’?
- Is every day an uphill battle?
- Do you feel ‘numb’ and like a robot who is going through the motions?
- Do you have trouble sleeping (when you get the chance) and then not want to get out of bed?
- Do you think that nothing ever seems to work out; that there is no light at the end of the tunnel…..just work, the bills, the pressure to get the job done, and your partner and kids complaining that you are never around, and when you are that you never do enough and don’t do it right?
- Are you eating too much and putting on weight, or wasting away because it’s too much effort and you’re not hungry anyway?
- Is your concentration not what it used to be, your energy levels low and life generally looking bleak?
If you said ‘that’s me’ to several of the above, then it is possible you’re living with a condition that affects about a third of us at some time in our lives – depression.
At times, depression can seem to come from nowhere. Other times it may have been around for a long time and has just gotten worse. For some it can also be a reaction to any number of life events (such as a relationship breakdown, family problems, illness or a lack of sleep).
We also know depression can and does get better with the right treatment. It’s a good idea to seek help either through a visit to your doctor or through a session with a counsellor. Sometimes depression needs to be treated with medication, while at other times talking to a counsellor can help to put things into perspective and lift the dark cloud. Counselling can help you sort out what’s getting you down and to find ways to help you get back on top of things. Research shows that talking to a trained counsellor will make a positive difference.
When you are busy with work it can be difficult to find the time to get to either a doctor or a counsellor, but depression should not be left untreated for a prolonged period of time.
Sometimes simple things can make a difference. Here are some questions to think about.
- When was the last time I took a couple of days off, had a decent sleep or spent some time with family?
- How much longer can I keep doing what I’m doing the way things are now?
- When did I last do something just for the fun of it?
- If I’m doing this for my family, will they still be there for me when I get home?
- Can I take some time off occasionally and still keep my head above water?
- What do I like about what I do?
- Are there things I used to enjoy doing that I don’t do anymore?
- What do I want for the future?
- What’s the worst thing that could happen if things continue the way they are going….and is it worth the risk?
Try to take a few moments every couple of weeks to reflect back on how you are feeling and what has been happening in your life. Don’t ignore danger signs. Help is available and just a phone call away.
To make an appointment with a trained professional, call Relationships Australia on 1300 364 277.