Depression Checklist

Everyone feels sad or worried sometimes but if these feelings go on for more than a few weeks or they start to interfere with your life, talk to a doctor about it! Because you don't have to live like that.

If you feel sad or worried for more than a few weeks it maybe because you have depression or an anxiety disorder. A doctor can help treat this, so you feel better again.

Ask Yourself

* Feel unusually sad or worried for more than two weeks

* Lose interest in things you usually enjoy

* Feel guilty for no real reason

* Think you are worthless

* Are so worried sometimes, you feel shaky or have difficulty breathing

* Feel it wouldn’t matter if you died

* Drugs or alcohol abuse.

* Say or write things that don’t make sense


How to get help

* Make an appointment to see a doctor.

* You may want to ask for a longer appointment so you can cover everything

* Be really honest about how you feel, we always play things down but be honest

* Write some notes to take along, to help explain how you feel.

* If you are worried about someone else, encourage them to see a doctor. Offer to go with them, as a support.

Help is there FOR FREE!

Medicare rebates are available for up to 12 individual mental health services per calendar year to patients with an assessed mental disorder who are referred by:

* A GP (General Practitioner) or under a psychiatrist assessment and management plan or
* a psychiatrist or paediatrician.
* You will be referred to undergo some tests to determine whether you are Clinically Depression (biological- the way you're wired rather than psychological)

For more information

The SANE website is fantastic it explains everything in an easy to understand manner or call them on 1800 18 SANE (7263)