Depression – the facts

On 19 Mar, 2014
By FHadmin

Depression is a common condition which is not always identified and diagnosed and affects men, women and young people. Depression is more than feeling sad or stressed.

There are a range of behavioural, psychological and physical symptoms that, when experienced together for more than two weeks, may indicate you are depressed. These include:

Withdrawing from friends and family
Struggling to get things done at work
Difficulty concentrating
Struggling to find things you enjoy
Feeling overwhelmed, sad, frustrated, guilty and indecisive
Feelings of failure and worthlessness
Chronic tiredness
Weight gain/loss
Digestive problems
Getting sick all the time
Poor sleep

It’s important to realise that we all experience some of these symptoms at some time, so seeking further support and advice is important. Your GP is a good place to start.

The unique factors and experience that can affect farming life can contribute to the development of depression and may also mean it goes untreated. These can include:

Being in the habit of ‘working it out yourself’, which makes it difficult to seek help when it’s difficult to cope.
Isolation and limited access to services.
Finding it difficult to approach local health workers because you may know them socially.
Practical issues to do with leaving the farm to seek help.
Financial, climate related and other pressures that may seem insurmountable.
Particularly for rural women, isolation, exhaustion and postnatal depression are some of the most common contributing factors to poor mental health.

Learn to recognise the symptoms so you seek help when you need it.

Rural issues – alcohol and depression

There is a strong link between excessive alcohol consumption and depression. Self-medication with alcohol is a common, but unsafe and ineffective coping strategy for farmers and other people living in rural and remote areas. Alcohol only masks the symptoms of depression and stress, and can make you feel worse. Support services can assist country people to find other ways to tackle depression.

Find out more about this topic on Better Health Channel

References used for this topic page

More information:

beyondblue

Get immediate support

beyondblue

Depression

beyondblue

Men in rural and remote areas – What causes anxiety and depression in men?

beyondblue

Man Facts – Guide to Mind Health

Black Dog Institute