What is Depression?
by Kat Rowe | March 11, 2021
Depression is the long-term experience of heavy sadness. It is a common medical condition that keeps you from performing many of life’s most basic tasks.
Being in a blue mood, experiencing a dark emotional space, feeling low in energy and heavy of heart — most of us have experienced times like these.
When such experiences last longer than two weeks, it may be a sign of something more serious than a passing bad mood. Depression negatively affects the way we think, feel, and act. It limits our ability to engage fully with life.
Clinical depression is the term used to describe a more permanent experience of sadness. Depression can cause withdrawal from and loss of interest in life and its activities.
Fortunately, clinical depression is treatable. Getting the medical and social support you need is easier than it has ever been. As a registered NDIS provider, Stride can help you have a good day today and tomorrow.
We help adults, young people, and children. We provide NDIS services including:
The symptoms of depression
The way each of us experiences depression will be unique to our circumstances and experience. Yet, there is a consistent list of symptoms that define clinical depression. The list of symptoms falls into three categories: feelings, thoughts, and actions.
Feelings associated with depression include:
- hopelessness
- sorrow
- fatigue
- anxiety
- mood swings
- anger
- apathy
Depression affects our thinking by making it difficult to:
- maintain focus
- process information
- make even simple decisions
Our behaviours are affected by depression and can be seen as:
- changes in sleep patterns
- increased or decreased appetite
- withdrawing from friends and family
- decreased performance and engagement at school or work
- disinterest in usual activities
- increased use of drugs and alcohol
A combination of these symptoms that lasts longer than 2 weeks is an indicator that something more serious than a passing low mood is going on. Stride is here to help you address your concerns and get the support you need.
Recovering from depression is made easier when surrounded by caring professionals, a supportive network, and the resources you need to thrive.
Managing depression with support from Stride
Stride provides a full range of mental health services. If you or a loved one are concerned about depression and its symptoms, we can help. Through Stride, you have access to necessary medical support and a broad range of programmes and services to address depression and its symptoms, including:
- assistance to engage in community activities
- opportunities for regular social engagements
- service options in group settings as well as for the individual
- psychological therapies
- online and digital support services
Whether you need help developing skills to manage your days more effectively or assistance with more complex needs, we can provide the care and support required. Our services are comprehensive and personalised. Find out how we can help.
Treatment and recovery for depression
Recovering from depression is a wellness journey that starts with a visit to your health professional.
For additional reading, refer to our Dimensions of Wellness resources page.
Once you and your GP or a medical health professional have agreed upon a course of treatment, the recovery begins. Be sure to get the support you need to recover from depression as early as possible so that symptoms don’t worsen over time.
Learning about your condition, building strong and supportive relationships, creating a healthy lifestyle, and practising relaxation techniques are just a few options to support your recovery process.
The key to recovery is finding a balance in life that supports your independence, social connections, and emotional wellbeing. The evidence-based approach of the programmes and services at Stride means you’ll get the level of support you need to create the life you want. Please contact us for more information.