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Depression Counselling - Cooks Hill
Talking over depression can help you

Depression: How Talking it Over Can Help

Anyone can feel down and stressed at least once in a while. Considering how busy and pressuring life can be, it’s no surprise that even the happiest of people could experience some form of sadness. But when it gets extreme to the point of depression, it can become unsettling.

Depression is a mood disorder characterised by a nagging feeling of sadness and loss of interest in doing anything at all. Not only can it affect a person emotionally, but it could prove to be taxing on your physical being as well as those around you such as a partner or spouse. 

What’s worse is that it could hinder you from doing your usual activities and has been linked with suicidal thoughts.

Common Symptoms of Depression

You’ll know that you or a person close to you may be experiencing depression if you observe one or more of the following symptoms:

  • Extreme feelings of sadness and hopelessness
  • Sudden outbursts of anger even over minor matters
  • Loss of interest in things the person usually enjoys
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Noticeable changes in eating habits
  • Anxiety and restlessness
  • Odd physical problems, such as headaches or back aches

If you see at least one of these symptoms, it is always best to reach out to that person as these may be signals or cries for help.

Why is it Troubling?

If left unchecked, a person suffering from depression may get worse. Some patients have been known to develop complications such as:

  • Excess weight leading to more serious health issues
  • Alcohol or substance dependence
  • Severe anxiety or social phobia
  • Self-mutilation
  • Thoughts of suicide



Talking it Over Can Help

Sometimes even the most serious of problems could benefit a lot from interaction. Depression is one of them. A person suffering from this issue could gain a lot from knowing they can talk to someone. It gives them the feeling that they are not alone, even in an internal battle.

When trying to establish communication with a depressed individual, here are some things you need to know:

Listen.
It’s not all the time that they muster the courage to speak up, so when they do, make sure you’re receptive.

Don’t brush off their feelings. 
The last thing they want to feel is that their emotions and thoughts are worthless.

Encourage them to get help. 
Depression is a clinical issue. The best people to help will always be counsellors and other experts.

Never pressure them into anything. They already feel pressured as it is.

There are many helplines and websites in Australia that can  help over the phone with depression, so you should always seek help. Furthermore, our skilled counsellors at Cooks Hill Counselling are just waiting for you to drop us a line or contact us for an online session.

Depression - How talking it over can help
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