We all feel down now and then - that's just part of life. But depression is more than just a low mood. People experiencing severe depression find it really hard to cope from day-to-day, and it can have serious effects on physical and mental health.
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Did you know that: Approximately one in seven young people in New Zealand will experience a major depressive disorder (and one in five will experience some kind of serious mood disorder) before the age of 24.
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Everyone gets anxious from time to time - but for some people, the feelings of anxiety can be a lot more extreme and become what's known as an anxiety disorder. One in four young New Zealanders will experience some kind of anxiety disorder by the time they are 24 years old.
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When you're depressed, it can seem like you'll never feel happy again. But there is light at the end of the tunnel… and the first step is getting the help you need.
There are a number of treatments that have been shown to work in overcoming depression.
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If someone close to you is depressed, you're probably wondering what you can do to help them... your support could mean a lot. Research shows that young people are most likely to turn to close friends or family for support, so being there for them could make a big difference.
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When you're depressed, it can be hard to find the energy or motivation to get stuff done. Even things like getting up and getting dressed in the morning can be a struggle. But there are things you can do - step by step, day by day - that will help you deal with these feelings.
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Are you feeling constantly tired? Not getting enough sleep? Waking up during the night? Being depressed can disrupt your regular sleep patterns - so maybe you're not sleeping enough, sleeping too much, or you're not getting 'quality' sleep. But sleep is important for all of us, to help our bodies recover and recharge.
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If you're depressed, anxious or stressed, you can sometimes feel a bit overwhelmed and find it hard to deal with everyday life. It can help to learn new ways of sorting out issues in your life.
There are two well-known techniques that many people find helpful. They are 'structured problem solving', and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy.
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Studying and sitting exams is pretty difficult at the best of times - and it gets even harder if you're depressed. You might stress about how well you're doing, or you might lose motivation (making it hard to get things in on time, or feeling like it's not worth completing your studies).
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Some people turn to drinking and drugs to deal with or block out the effects of their depression and anxiety. While it might seem like a good way to take your mind off things, it can actually make things worse - and even increase your chances of developing depression in the first place.
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It's sad but true - bullying happens in all areas of our lives. It's important to know how to deal with it, because it can have negative effects. It might prevent us from coping at school, university or work, losing self-esteem and, in some cases, developing depression or anxiety.
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People who are seen as different to the 'norm' often face discrimination and bullying, and if they don't get support and respect from friends and family, this can set them up for becoming depressed. This can be the case for people who are attracted to people of the same sex, or who don't seem to fit mainstream ideas of sexuality.
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Postnatal depression is depression that affects some mothers after they have given birth. It's also known as 'postpartum depression'. It can range from mild to severe depression, and can occur any time after the baby is born (up to one year later).
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If you are feeling suicidal, or you are concerned about someone you know, this fact sheet has information on what you can do and where you can go for help.
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The Ministry of Health wishes to extend its thanks and gratitude to www.beyondblue.com.au for sharing its resources and information for use on this website. This material is for your general information only. More detailed and specific information about your personal situation can be obtained from a health professional.
They following key documents have been used to inform the fact sheets and other information on the site.
Oakley Browne MA, Wells J E, Scott K M. Te Rau Hinengaro: The New Zealand Mental Health Survey. Ministry of Health 2006.
Jorm AF, Allen NB et al. Effectiveness of complementary and self-help treatments for depression in children and adolescents. The Medical Journal of Australia 2006; 185 (7): 368-372
Merry SN, Spence SH. Attempting to prevent depression in youth: a systematic review of the evidence. Early Intervention in Psychiatry 2007: 1: 128-137
MOH 2006. NZ Suicide Trends: Mortality 1921 – 2003, Hospitalisation for Intentional Self-harm 1978 - 2004. Monitoring Report No. 10. Wellington Ministry of Health.
Pearson, J. and Muller, C. (2005, Aug) Adolescent Sexual Orientation and Academic Success: The Impact of Depression and Attitudes Toward School Online, Retrieved 2006-10-05 from http://www.allacademic.com/meta/p22914_index.html
