What is Depression?
Depression is an illness in the same way that cancer is an illness. It affects both men and women, but quite often what they experience and how they respond is different.
The word depression is used in many different ways. Everyday 'blues' or sadness is not depression.
The depression that DSN is concerned about is 'clinical depression' (sometimes called major depression) which lasts at least two weeks and it affects a person's ability to carry out their work or to have satisfying personal relationships.
Symptoms of Depression include:-
* Intense anxiety or sadness
* Inability to concentrate
* Feelings of helplessness
* Or worthlessness
* Despair
* Disturbed sleep patterns
* Loss of appetite
* Tension and irritability
Is Depression a SERIOUS ILLNESS?
YES!!
Depression requires time, care and understanding to be overcome. It's an individual illness and requires individual responses.
Depression is a
TREATABLE
illness.
It's an illness, not a weakness!
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HOW CAN DSN HELP?
* Support and information are available through the Resource Centre
* Through delivering education in community and workplace settings
* Through practical support and mentoring during recovery
* By advocacy at local, regional, state and national forums
* We do not offer clinical services
