Depression

Depression is more than feeling a bit sad or stressed. It can affect men, women and young people. There are a range of behavioral, psychological and physical symptoms that may indicate that you are depressed. Seeking further support and advice is important. Start with talking to your GP.

OBJECTIVE

Learn how to identify symptoms of depression and take action

DEPRESSION SYMPTOMS

• 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

IMPACTS OF FARMING AND RURAL LIFE

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.