BB Fact Sheets – Health - Depression

 Managing your health and mental wellbeing

• Depression is an illness and can be successfully treated

• Take a moment to consider the risk factors for depression - family history, stressful events or changes, trauma, physical health problems or issues, personality and life history

• If you or someone you know is suffering from depression, talk to someone about it. Preferably, talk to your Doctor if you believe you are depressed and seek information

• Recognising that there is a problem is the first step towards recovery, consider calling an information hotline or helpline

Baby boomers and Depression

• Depression is a recognised medical condition which affects up to one million adult Australians, one in four women and one in six men according to research reported by peak body health organisations

• There are five main types of depression, major or clinical depression, psychotic depression, dysthymia, mixed depression and anxiety and bipolar disorder which used to be known as manic depressive illness.

What can I do?

• Try to reduce the amount of stress in your life, get enough sleep, keep active and reduce your alcohol and/or drug intake.

• Chat to your Doctor if you feel you may be suffering from Depression, they can help you or , may refer you to someone more specialised or knowledgeable in treating depression

• Call an information line like beyondblue, or the Sane helpline, and/or Mensline

• Consider taking the Beyondblue Sphere questionnaire or the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale available at:

Beyondblue Sphere    http://www.beyondblue.org.au/index.aspx?link_id=89.677

Kessler PDS                http://www.beyondblue.org.au/index.aspx?link_id=89.678

• Remember that Depression is not a normal part of life

Australia  - http://www.beyondblue.org.au

               - http://www.lifeline.org.au/
 
               - http://www.sane.org/
 
               - http://www.menslineaus.org.au/

               - http://www.healthinsite.gov.au/topics/Depression

NSW        - http://www.mentalhealth.asn.au/home.htm

QLD        - http://www.mentalhealth.org.au/

VIC         - http://www.mhfa.org.au/main.htm

WA          - http://www.waamh.org.au/

SA           - http://www.mhcsa.org.au/

TAS         - http://www.mhct.org/about_us.html

NT           - http://www.teamhealth.asn.au/

ACT         - http://www.mhf.org.au/mhf/

 

Multicultural Information

 

Health In Site LOTE  -  http://www.healthinsite.gov.au/topics/Languages_Other_Than_English

Multicultural Health   -  http://www.mhcs.health.nsw.gov.au/mhcs/topics.html#a

 

Ingigenous Australians

Health Info Net        - http://www.healthinfonet.ecu.edu.au/

 




 Find a psychologist in your area - http://www.anxietyaustralia.com.au/#psychologist

Medical and Health Practitioners  - http://www.beyondblue.org.au/index.aspx?link_id=107.1007

 Signs and Symptoms                 - http://www.beyondblue.org.au/index.aspx?link_id=89.579

 What Causes Depression?         - http://www.beyondblue.org.au/index.aspx?link_id=89.585

 The Mood Gym                          - http://www.moodgym.anu.edu.au/welcome

 Personal Experiences                 - http://www.beyondblue.org.au/index.aspx?link_id=104.1000

 Famous People                          - http://www.sane.org/information/information/people.html

 Carers                                       - http://www.carersaustralia.com.au/

 Reducing Stress                         - http://www.beyondblue.org.au/index.aspx?link_id=89.586

 

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Disclaimer: The information contained in this section should not be used for individual medical advice. Please see your doctor if you have concerns or specific questions relating to your health.
 

This article was created by Frances Williams for babyboomers.com.au - Australia's website for Baby Boomers. Sources include beyondblue, SANE, state and the Federal Government. Babyboomers.com.au is an online resource to help people find information and services on health, money, travel and recreation