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Depression Pāpōuri
Depression is the most common mental health problem in Aotearoa New Zealand. Unlike day to day sadness, depression takes over and does not go away without help. Depression can affect anyone, and with support will get better.
On this page
- Video: I had a black dog, his name was depression
- Causes of depression
- Symptoms of depression
- In a crisis
- Diagnosing depression
- Self care for depression
- Treating depression
- Getting help with depression
- Parenting with depression or anxiety
- Depression in children and older people
- Supporting someone else with depression
Video: I had a black dog, his name was depression
This video is produced by the World Health Organization. In collaboration with the World Health Organization to mark World Mental Health Day, writer and illustrator Matthew Johnstone tells the story of overcoming the "black dog of depression".
I had a black dog, his name was depression — YouTubeexternal link
Causes of depression
We do not fully understand what causes depression. It can be triggered by a life experience, but can also start for no apparent reason.
Some people are more prone to depression than others. Often, this depends on factors beyond your control, such as having a family history of depression or some trauma in your life. Long-term physical illness or working in stressful occupations like farming can also have an effect.
Symptoms of depression
Depression is different for everyone and can range from mild to severe. It can cause symptoms affecting your emotional, physical, spiritual, and social wellbeing.
You might find it hard to do everyday things like going to work or seeing friends. You might stop wanting to do things you usually enjoy.
Symptoms of depression — Depression.org.nzexternal link
A small number of depressed people consider or attempt suicide.
Diagnosing depression
If you are wondering if you have depression, you can do a self test. Anxiety can often go along with depression, and you may want to check for this also.
Self-tests — Depression.org.nzexternal link
You can see a healthcare professional who can listen to your symptoms and make sure there is not another condition causing your low mood.
Self care for depression
You can improve depression by looking after yourself by:
- being active
- sleeping well
- eating well
- staying connected
- managing stress.
Treating depression
Depression should be dealt with as soon as possible. If it is left alone, it could get worse and even lead to self-harm or suicide.
You might have to try a range of things before you start feeling better. Some things you will be able to do for yourself. But you might need some extra help from your healthcare provider, therapists, or other health professionals.
Your healthcare provider is a good place to start if you think you or someone you love might have depression.
Getting help with depression
Consider doing an online course about depression. These courses can help you understand your illness and motivate you with goals. They are useful for everyone, especially if you live in a rural area or if transport is a problem.
Just a Thought
Free online courses for people with anxiety and depression. The courses take 6 to 8 weeks to complete and include a generalised anxiety and a depression course.
Beating the Blues
This online programme is based on cognitive behavioural therapy, one of the most common treatments for anxiety. The programme is free, but you will need to be referred by your healthcare provider to take part in this programme.
Beating the Bluesexternal link
Small Steps
A set of tools to help with feelings of anxiety, stress, or low mood.
Talking therapies help with depression in all age groups. They help you find new ways to think about events in your life and are very effective at treating depression.
A psychologist or counsellor can provide talking therapy and emotional support.
You can find information about accessing mental health support on the Mental Health Foundation website.
Accessing mental health services — Mental Health Foundationexternal link
Your healthcare provider or psychiatrist may feel that medication could be effective.
There are several types of antidepressants. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are most commonly used. Most people start noticing an improvement 2 to 3 weeks after starting medication.
After 4 to 6 weeks, your healthcare provider will check if your medication is working and if you are having any unwanted effects. The dose or type of antidepressant can be changed if needed.
It is normal to take antidepressants for a year or longer if you have had depression before.
Antidepressants — HealthInfoexternal link
Parenting with depression or anxiety
Looking after tamariki can be hard work. It can be particularly challenging if you have depression or anxiety.
Tamariki are very tuned in to emotions. They can be negatively affected by a parent's mental health. They may:
- act out with challenging behaviour
- withdraw when their own emotional needs are not met
- grow up too fast when they feel they need to be a carer
- become depressed or anxious themselves.
Seeing this happen can make you feel worse. You may feel guilty or lose confidence in your parenting.
There are practical steps you can take if you are parenting and have depression or anxiety.
Get help for your condition
The first step is to accept that you have a problem, or that things could be better, and to get the right help.
Speak to your healthcare provider if you feel that your anxiety or depression is getting in the way of you being able to do everyday things.
Where to get help for mental health
Get help with parenting
Having depression or anxiety can impact your confidence or ability to parent.
Ask for support from whānau or friends. Talk to them about what is happening.
You could try a parenting course. They can help you understand your child's behaviour and give you strategies to use at home. These might strengthen your relationship with your child.
Parenting courses — Triple P Positive Parenting Programmeexternal link
Tips for you — Real Parentsexternal link
Get support for your child
If you have been depressed or anxious for some time, it could help to get extra support for your tamaiti.
You could get help through a whānau support organisation.
Family mental health support in your area — Yellow Brick Roadexternal link
Ask a trusted adult to talk to your tamaiti. Get them to ask how the tamaiti is feeling and how things are going.
Let your child's teacher know what is happening. They may be able to:
- keep an eye out for them
- support them
- organise counselling for your child at school.
Try to be present
Tamariki live in the present. It can be hard when your mind feels overwhelmed, but being present with them can help your own mental health. It takes practice. Try to:
- take time to watch your tamaiti play
- observe what your tamaiti is doing and ask them questions
- join in.
Playing and being in the moment will:
- benefit your tamaiti
- help you in your recovery.
Getting outside in nature has huge benefits for both you and your tamaiti. Go for a walk at the local park, or by a river or a beach if you live near them.
Take time to notice the effect this has on both your child's and your own wellbeing.
Depression in children and older people
Depression can affect people at any age. The risks for depression and the symptoms can be different in different age groups.
While depression can happen in tamariki , it is more common in rangatahi.
Tamariki and rangatahi who are at higher risk for depression are those who:
- are very stressed
- have learning or behaviour difficulties
- have experienced a loss.
The KidsHealth website has more information about depression in children, teens, and young adults.
Depression in teens and young adults
Depression — KidsHealthexternal link
Depression is not a normal part of ageing. It is a medical illness, no matter what your age.
The symptoms of depression in older people can be similar to dementia and other physical illnesses, so you may need a medical assessment to check you do not have another condition.
Some illnesses that affect older people such as stroke and Parkinson disease can put older people more at risk of depression. So can social factors such as:
- isolation and loneliness
- bereavement and grief
- lack of independence
- low income
- low self-worth.
Getting help
Often older people with depression do not seek help. But depression is much easier to treat if it is dealt with quickly.
Talk to your healthcare provider about how you are feeling. This is no different to talking to them about a physical problem. In some cases, your healthcare provider might refer you to a specific service for older people. They may even send someone out to your home to talk with you.
Self-care for depression in older people
Look after your mental wellbeing by:
- doing enjoyable physical activity
- staying social
- limiting alcohol
- eating and sleeping well.
Ask your healthcare provider or your local Age Concern branch for help with finding a support group, social group or exercise group to join.
Read about ways of getting help for depression. These include online courses, talking therapy, medications and specialist therapies.
Being lonely and separated from others can make you feel depressed. Read more about how to overcome loneliness and social isolation.
Loneliness and isolationexternal link
Sometimes older people become depressed because they are experiencing abuse or neglect. Read more about this and whether you might be experiencing it.
Supporting someone else with depression
Your support can make a big difference to someone close to you. Often, someone will start treatment because their whānau or friends have encouraged them.
It is normal for people with depression to withdraw from others. They may reject your efforts to care for them or let you down in other ways. It can be hard to know what to do or say but there are some resources to help you.
Supporting someone — Depression.org.nzexternal link
Looking after yourself
Looking after someone who is suffering from depression can be very stressful and difficult. It is also important to look after yourself and your own physical and mental health.
If you are involved in caring for someone who has depression, you might find some support at Yellow Brick Road. They offer free support for families and support people of people with mental illness.
Yellow Brick Roadexternal link
Video: Living with a black dog
"Living with a black dog" is a video by the World Health Organization and Matthew Johnstone, author of "I had a black dog, his name is depression."
It is a guide for partners, carers and sufferers of depression. It advises those living with and caring for people with depression on what to do, what not to do, and where to go for help.
This content was written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. It has been adapted for Health Information and Services.