Scott is 59 years old and has been a reliable driver for the past 8 years.
Scott has high blood pressure and type II diabetes and struggles to keep his weight in check. Late last year his marriage broke down and he had to move out of the family home as part of the settlement. He now lives alone in a rental property and isn’t sure when he will have enough money to retire.
Scott isn’t interested any longer in participating in the banter in the drivers’ room about his beloved Tigers footy team and has stopped wearing his footy guernsey. Scott tells everyone his life is “stuffed” and drivers have stopped talking to him as “he has nothing good to say”. Scotts’ walking speed has decreased although everyone suspects this is due to his increase in weight.
Scott has depression.
Depression is a common and serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think and how you act. It is treatable. Depression causes feelings of sadness and or a loss of interest in activities that you once enjoyed.
Depression can look different for everyone, but some common symptoms are:
Depression Physical Symptoms
- Tiredness or loss of energy
- Changes in sleep patterns (trouble sleeping or sleeping too much)
- Weight fluctuations (either up or down)
- Changes in appetite
- Backpain/headaches/joint or limb pain
- Digestion problems or belly pain
- Slowing of physical movements
- Inability to sit still, pacing or handwringing.
- Withdrawing from friends and family
- Trouble concentrating
Depression Emotional Symptoms
- Feeling sad or persistent (greater than 2 weeks) low mood
- Feeling numb, empty or overwhelmed
- Feeling worthless or guilty
- Loss of interest of pleasure in activities once enjoyed.
- Irritability
- Taking unnecessary risks
- Thinking about death or suicide
There are different types of depression, and everyone’s experience is a little different – to learn more about the types and treatments for depression, please click on our depression fact sheet.
DOES ANY OF THIS SOUND FAMILIAR?
Click on the links below to learn more on how you can seek help and support.
It sounds a bit like me – I AM Scott
