Depression and Its Symptoms
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Depression As a 17 year old male, depression has been looked upon as a major issue in today’s society. Due to being in a social media era, we have become more aware of the effects and issues depression can have specifically towards teenagers and young adults however depression can be diagnosed within any age of adult life. One in 16 young teenagers are currently suffering from clinical depression within the last 12 months, this shows equivalency to 180,000 teenagers today. (BeyondBlue,2017) Symptoms of depression varies within the person but the common symptoms that can affect an individual is the feeling of hopelessness and a pessimistic outlook on look, loss of libido (sex drive), decrease or increase in weight which can lead to causing an eating disorder. Loss of interest in hobbies and other social activities and become reclusive and prefers being alone(Depression traps,2013). As a friend of an individual who suffers from depression, it is apparent seeing him negatively back out of our social activities, however I have found helping him get out of the house and seeing us can help lift his mood. Depression can not only impact the individual but the others surrounding the individual, specifically the families, due to the negative energy of one’s depression it can causes the family to become sad and feelings of hopelessness and being unable to help their loved ones. It can affect peers as they get pushed away whenever they try assisting the individual, I have been in the position of trying to assist my friend with depression and have been pushed away and shut out but pushing through that proves to help in the long term and I have learned to be there for him at all times. It not only mentally affects an individual but can also have a branch of physical damages. The feeling of sadness and hopelessness that is possessed can cause a person into smoking cigarettes to relieve the stress they are feeling, Australian men who have depression live 15.9 years less than those without depression(Depression facts,2015). Depression has no underlying physical pain and is said that the link of smoking cigarettes is one of the main reasons the shortage of life occurs, such physical ramifications as cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease and cancer are the main causes of death from depression patients. Depression and smoking have a heavy link together as patients believe that smoking can prevent their depression and stress however a study suggests that quitting smoking for 6 weeks actually improves ones mental health (Tobacco in Australia, 2016). 23% of those diagnosed with depression began smoking immediately (Tobacco in Australia, 2016). I personally found this to be evident amongst my peers, this changed my outlook on those who smoke and I no longer look at smokers as something to be done to look cool and fit in, I have more sympathy for smokers now knowing that some of them only do it as they think they can relieve their depression however I am also in shock as to how misguided society is on the realistic causes that smoking has and hope to see this addressed and educate younger minds on this topic to prevent such behaviour in the future[a]. Not only does this habit in some cases come from depression but also has a huge impact the costs of the community as a whole, cigarettes are expensive and influence how much money is taken out of weekly income, this leaves less room for money to me spent on desirable goods that can make the individual feel better about themselves, being stuck on just paying bills and cigarettes each week can make some individuals lives feel not worthy and signs of depression can occur.
Due to the underlying affects depression can have, awareness is vital to further assist those who suffer from the illness. Throughout the various agencies to analyse I have chosen Beyondblue as its main objective is to prevent and intervene depression. I have further entailed into the comprehensive beyond blue website. As I am around peers who suffer from depression, this agency and topic interests me heavily in understanding the extent of awareness is Australia and analysing the mental struggles that exist. Beyond Blue’s mission statement is to “equip everyone in Australia with the knowledge and skills to protect their own mental health. We’re giving people the confidence to support those around them, and making depression and suicide a part of everyday conversations “. Beyond Blue assists those suffering from depression and anxiety and raises awareness to society and educating them into dealing with individuals around you who suffer from it. It is a non-profit organisation and therefore costs are minimal, however options of professional help are provided on their website which can lead to potential costs. Access of assistance can be reached via WWW.BEYONDBLUE. What makes Beyondblue fantastic is the accessibility of assistance; it provides a 24 hour info line. Their mission statement is is a vital part of what beyond blue has to offer as I feel that depressed symptoms often occur past midnight, Beyondblue acknowledges this and caters to it receiving an increase of 16% of calls from 1:30 to 3am (BeyondBlue,2017). Accessibility ranges not only from a 24 hour phone line but also provides treatment options with certified GP’s on their website. Assistance varies from phone lines but also wide range of assistance on their websites such as getting involved as a community, options of donating to the cause underlined as “Fundraiser for us “ (BeyondBlue,2017) I feel that implementing a fundraiser allows for the community to also be involved with BeyondBlue and can help spread awareness on a global scale.  As this agency not only provides assistance to who suffer from depression but also provide assistance to those who are surrounded by them such as family members and peers.  A link can be found on their website titled as supporting someone with depression, also further advice on some of the things to do and not to do when dealing with an individual who suffers from depression. Assistance is not possible without the correct knowledge of the mental illness, assistance not only mentally, but physically and socially. I find this to be one of the main highlights of BeyondBlue, its outside thinking of not only assisting suffers but also understand that it can be difficult for family members and peers to help those suffering shows a real incentive and care factor, it presents a seriousness about what they are trying to do. I know from personal experiences the difficulties entailed in helping those with depression, over 1 million lives suffer from depression in Australia (BeyondBlue, 2017) and Beyondblue recognises this maximizing the help they can give. I commend them for taking physical and social health into consideration, depression alters social health and sufferers can become very reclusive, physically can be harm themselves, I am proud of this agency for focusing on all branches of what depression is. BeyondBlue works in partnership with health services, schools, workplaces, universities, media and community organisations, as well as people living with depression and anxiety, their friends and family, to raise social awareness of depression and anxiety ((BeyondBlue,2017).