Page 6 - Safety Book Sept 2017

Safety Activity Book

September 2017 – R U OK? Mental Health

R U OK?

Depression

Depression is more than just a low mood – some people experience these feelings intensely, for
long periods of time sometimes without any apparent reason – it’s a serious condition that affects
your physical and mental health.

Almost one in five Australians (20%) will experience a mental

illness in a 12-month period. During a one-year period, anxiety
disorders will affect 14% of the population and depression will
affect 6%.

For a person to be diagnosed with clinical depression, they would have to have three or more of the
following symptoms, including at least one of the first two, for at least two weeks:

• An unusually sad or irritable mood that doesn’t go away

• Loss of enjoyment and interest in activities they used to enjoy

• Lack of energy and tiredness

• Feeling or worthless or feeling guilty when they are not at fault

How can I be supportive?

• Treat the person with respect and dignity

• Have realistic expectations of the person

• Be a good listener

• Offer consistent emotional support and
understanding