SMC Wellbeing
What is Depression:
Depression is feeling down for a long consistent period of time which is not 'normal' and you should see your GP for professional help as a first step below is symptoms and signs to look out for:
Quick Overview of depression
Fear of the future:
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Parents splitting up
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Death of a family member
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Drug and Alcohol Use
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Money issues
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Childhood Trauma: seen a family member being abused physically, emotionally or sexually, or you are a victim of abuse yourself, the effect can be serious and long-lasting.
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Can be through your family but this does not mean you will get it if someone in your family has it.
Major Life changes:
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Unexpected loss
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Suicide attempt by someone close to you
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A big change in life: where you live, how you define yourself, peoples expectations of you, goals in life, beliefs, who you have around you.
Ongoing Challenges: (a Specific issue that could occur at St Margaret's)
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Not being able to achieve your goals
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Money problems
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Being frustrated by what’s expected of you
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Ongoing difficulties with people in your life
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Discrimination
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Alcohol and other drugs
If you are worried about someone close to you suffering from depression here are some signs to look for over a period of time not just once off:
Irritable mood: Change in mood quickly (lose your temper very easily), more common in younger people.
Change in appetite: Won’t feel like eating OR an increase in eating
Change in sleep pattern: Sleep pattern reduces, disturbed sleep, difficulty getting back to sleep if you wake up in the night.
Decreased energy, tiredness and fatigue: These may be so severe that doing the smallest task seems so difficult to finish.
Difficulty having a clear mind and concentrating: May not be able to do a simple task like watching a movie or reading a book. Also very indecisive in making decisions.
Thoughts on hopelessness: May feel there is no hope in life, you feel useless. Wish they weren’t alive which could lead to suicidal thoughts.
Your thoughts affect everything you do: Could get unwell due to how you are feeling. Or not want to be around anyone else due to how you are feeling.
Self Harming: Cutting (most common), burning, scratching, carving, hitting/punching, piercing skin, pulling out hair, Picking wounds.
It is important for everyone to look after themselves, to get out and socialise with friends and family or doing physical exercise but also taking time to yourself by taking some of these steps could help increase your mental health
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Go to the beach or bush, listen to the sounds of nature and smell the fresh air
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Get out and do something physical, like going for a run, walk or to yoga
Sleep in your bed (and not in front of the television)
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Keep a bottle of water near you all the time
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Cut back on alcohol and recreational drugs
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Eat healthier meals.
Other useful websites to check out for help and advice around depression
Take a test
Apps:
Helpline:
free phone 0800 111 757 or text 4202
inspiration
The SMC 2018 school year ended with the bravest, most inspiring speech by SMC Head Girl, Jem Vaughan. In it she laid her soul bare as she talked about her experience with mental illness following her diagnosis of clinical depression halfway through the year. In true Jem style, the speech was not about her, it was to share important messages with her peers about the need to openly talk about mental health and that it's OK.