Depression

How Do I Know I am Depressed?

An illustration of a person sitting on the floor looking distressed, with multiple hands reaching out and touching them, in a room with a potted plant, wall-mounted lights, and windows. There is a speech bubble with a yellow X above their head.

From time to time we all suffer from a low state of mood, perhaps it’s related to family problems, work issues or parenting . And sometimes we ‘feel sad and low’ for no apparent reason at all.

This can last for a few hours or a couple of days. It’s what most of us call ‘having a bad day!’ However, low mood and feeling stressed and anxious can become concerning and serious when your:

  • low mood is severe

  • self-esteem is lowered

  • It lasts for more than a couple of weeks

  • It interferes with your ability to participate and function during normal day to day activities

What Are The Signs of Depression?

Depression is a presentation of some or many of the following signs that are consistent daily, for more than a couple of weeks:

  • Feelings of poor self esteem

  • Expression of negative emotions i.e insecurity, sadness, guilt, anger

  • Reduction or loss of appetite

  • Poor sleep patterns with inability to sleep and feeling unrested

  • Mood swings

  • Lack of energy, lethargic feeling, can’t be bothered

  • Reduced desire to participate in life and to be involved

  • Inability to concentrate or to focus, increased feelings of disorganisation

  • Poor memory recall

  • Hard to experience positive emotions i.e joy, happiness

  • Reduction or loss of sex drive

  • Increase in alcohol or drug use

  • Increased body aches and pains with reduced tolerance to pain

  • Feelings of isolation and loneliness

    If you are feeling suicidal and need immediate assistance, please contact a Mental Health Professional for support and medical advice, www.lifeline.org.au/ or call 13 11 44

Illustration of a sad man sitting on the ground, hugging his knees, with a dark cloud overhead and raindrops falling around him, indicating he is feeling depressed or overwhelmed.

Support

At Mindful Relationships, we are interested in the systemic cause and treatment for depression, stress and anxiety. While the diagnosis and treatment of each will vary, our therapeutic work with you will focus on exploring, reflecting and addressing the root and meaning of your depression, stress and/or anxiety.