What is depression? Depression is one of the common human
emotional states. It is common to experience feelings of sadness
and tiredness in response to life events, such as losses or
disappointments. In most cases, as you come to terms with
changes in life, the sad feelings resolve. In situations such as
bereavement, these feelings may persist for months and return at
significant times such as birthdays and anniversaries related to
the lost loved one. Sometimes people continue to feel sad, even
if there seems to be no apparent reason. Some people may become
depressed without any clear precipitating event. This is the
type of depression which may need more assertive management.
Depression may be seen along a continuum: from transient
feelings of sadness, to a severe persistent mood change with
physical symptoms. Between 20-30% of people will experience a
major depressive episode at some stage in their lives. See also
www.thiswayup.org.au/clinic for an online treatment course that
your doctor can arrange for yo