Depression

Feelings of sadness or depression are a common reaction to serious illness. A person may be depressed, if for more than two weeks they have felt sad, down or miserable most of the time and have experienced some of the following symptoms:

• loss of interest and pleasure in work or other activities
• feeling a sense of worthlessness
• having negative thoughts like “life’s not worth living”
• difficulty sleeping
• withdrawing from close family or friends
• feeling less motivated to organise activities or be involved in the regular daily activities
• feeling irritable, frustrated, guilty or unhappy.

If you have experienced some or all of these symptoms, you may be experiencing some depression. Talk to your doctor, nurse, or another health care professional about how you’re feeling. Treatment for depression is available, and can help.

For more detailed information about depression go to www.beyondblue.org

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