Depression in rural communities - are you a sufferer?
1 Nov 11
Depression is a common complaint in rural communities however it is a treatable condition.
Just about everyone suffers some sort of depression in his or her lifetime.
The loss of a pet, the loss of a job or financial problems can lead to minor to moderate depression.
Then there is the other type of depression known as clinical depression, a deep-seated state of melancholy.
Many suffers of depression decide to keep it to themselves as they feel they will be letting people down if they share it.
Keeping it to yourself does no favours to either you or your family and friends.
Depression is so common in the human condition that you help others de-stigmatise it by discussing it.
There are many ways you can manage depression.
Consulting your GP is most important as is changing your lifestyle.
Finally consider finding a counsellor who can take the time to treat your depression.
A qualified counsellor is trained to assist you.
Okay, how do you know you are suffering depression and to what extent?
Take a look at these following questions and mark 1 for sometimes, 2 for often and 3 for always.
Let’s go.
In the past 2 weeks have you:
1 Found little interest in doing things.
2 Felt down, depressed or hopeless.
3 Had trouble getting to sleep.
4 Felt tired and little energy.
5 Felt badly about yourself, a failure or letting your family down.
6 Had trouble concentrating reading the paper or watching TV.
7 Found yourself moving or speaking slowly so that others notice.
8 Had thoughts that you would be better off dead or thoughts of hurting yourself.
9 Poor appetite or overeating.
A score of 4 or below means you have minimal depression, 5 -9 means mild depression, 10 -14 moderate, 15 -19 moderately severe and 20 -27, severe depression.
So what can I do about depression?
Regular exercise, good diet, staying social and finding a meaningful activity (any work including volunteer work) have proven to be most beneficial in handling depression.
Anti-depressants provide great relief to many suffers with moderate to severe depression and give suffers a starting point to improve mood so they feel like doing new things.
Anti-depressants are not habit forming or addictive, as the myth goes, and gives great relief to many suffers.
Anti-depressants can be given as a short or long course of treatment depending on the severity of the problem.
Research has shown that when counselling and anti-depressants are combined they offer a greater degree of success than just anti-depressants on their own.
Now you have completed the test above how do you rate?
Can you exercise a bit more, eat better, try to stay more social and find meaningful things to do?
Whatever you do, seek help from your GP, share your concerns with family and friends. There is no need to suffer from this diabilitating common mental health problem on your own.
And remember people suffering depression also impact others’ mental health; so seeking help will in the end make your family and community happier.
You have right to be happier and enjoying life. Life after all is such a gift.
Gerry North is a qualified
counsellor in Kangaroo Valley.
0411 368 142
If you have an issue you want discussed you can email him on 151east@gmail.com.