Links to further information:
http://www.healthnavigator.org.nz/health-topics/depression/
Depression
Suffering from the blues is something that we all experience from time to time, but for people with depression, this feeling persists over weeks to months. In addition to a low mood, depression can also bring other symptoms including sleep problems, feelings of hopelessness, loss of enjoyment and negative thinking.
Some people may even feel so bad that they have thoughts of suicide. Even though you may be feeling bleak, there is much you can do to help yourself or friends/whanau to get onto the road to recovery.
Key Points:
- Talk to someone you trust about how you are feeling
- Learn about depression to help you make sense of how you feel
- Remember depression is treatable! Ask for help earlier, rather than later
- Address your basic needs – stay physically active, make time for pleasurable activities and practice relaxing
- Break problems down into simple goals and small steps, and give yourself credit for each step you accomplish
- Spend time with people who can support you – just being in the company of friends and loved ones can help to boost your mood
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Wondering if you may be depressed? Take this self-test
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Overview
In this section you will find some useful webpages and handouts to help you learn about depression.
 | Range of videos & fact sheets on depression | Health Navigator NZ | |
| Multiple Languages | |||
 | What is depression? | National Depression Initiative | |
 | Depression - There is a Way Through |  | 9 Pages |
| Pamphlet | |||
| Depression Education Programme - short slide shows | Black Dog Institute | |
| useful explanations | |||
| Depression Quiz | Health Navigator NZ | |
Symptoms, Tests & Diagnosis
In this section you will find information about how depression is diagnosed and some common tests that can help you get a better idea of whether you or someone you know needs help for depression.
| Are You Depressed? | NZ National Depression Initiative | |
| Online depression questionnaire | |||
 | Self Test | Black Dog Institute | 21 Kb |
| Depression Symptoms | Blue Pages | |
| Easy to Read | |||
| Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) | Beyondblue | |
| A clinical assessment tool for adults | |||
| Kessler 10 - 14 different languages | Health Translations Directory - Australia | |
| Multiple Languages | |||
What can I do? - Self help measures
Learning about things you can do to help yourself recover from depression is so important. Here you will find resources to help you self-manage your depression and work towards wellness.
| The Journal - an excellent self-help programme you can do from home | National Depression Initiative | |
| Attend a self management programme | Health Navigator NZ | |
| MoodGYM | The Australian National University | |
| Free online self-help CBT programme | |||
| Structured Problem Solving Workbook | Ministry of Health | 8 Pages |
| e-couch | The Australian National University | |
| Free online self-help programme | |||
| Slide Show | Keeping Well | Black Dog Institute | |
| Stress, Relaxation and Sleep | Ministry of Health | 31 Kb |
| Easy to Read | |||
| Getting Active to Beat Depression | Ministry of Health | 33 Kb |
| Coping With Depression - NZ Treatment Guide for Consumers & Carers | RANZCP | 30 Pages |
| March 2005 | |||
Treatments & Medication
Treatment for depression includes both drugs and psychological therapies. In this section are resources to help you make an informed choice about your treatment options.
| What Works for Depression? | Blue Pages | |
| Easy to Read | |||
| Why Use Both Psychological Treatments & Medications? Fact Sheet | Beyondblue | 2 Pages |
| What is Cognitive Therapy? | Black Dog Institute | 6 Pages |
| What treatments work for depression? | Best Health - UK | |
| Antidepressants. How they Relieve Depression | Mayo Clinic | |
| Videos/audios | |||
Clinical Resources
In this section are some useful resources and simple tools to help make assessment and management of depression easier.
| Identification of common mental disorders & management of depression in primary care | | |
| Detailed | |||
| Drug Interaction Chart |  | 1 Page |
| Assessment & Management Tools for GPs | Black Dog Institute | |
| Useful resources for providers managing mood disorders (Australian website) | |||
| Depression Reminder for Primary Care | | 4 Pages |
| Depression in Elderly People: Prescribing Dilemmas - Feb 08 | | |
| Detailed | |||
| CLIMATE Online Treatment Programme | Clinical Research Unit for Anxiety and Depression | |
| Pharmacological Management of Depression in Adults - July 2009 | | 11 pages |
| Management of Depression in Adults in Primary Care - July 2009 | | 5 pages |
| Overview - July 2009 | | 6 pages |
| Assessment of Depression - July 2009 | | 5 pages |
Support
In this section you will find personal stories from people who have experienced depression, information for friends and loved ones, and support services.
| Real stories about depression |  | |
| NZ Depression Awareness Campaign | |||
| Where to Find Help | | |
| Musicians, Celebs & Others Share their Stories | The LowDown | |
| Depression Video Maori TV Video | Faultline Productions | |
| A Little Bit of Understanding Makes a Big Difference | Ministry of Health | 30 Kb |
| Other Peoples Stories | National Depression Initiative | 13 Kb |
| Page has links to interactive tutorials, videos & more | |||
| Reflections on Personal Recovery | Devon Partnership NHS Trust | 76 Pages |
Want to Learn More?
Here you will find more information about depression, including books you can read, information in other languages, and resources for young people, mums suffering from postnatal depression, and older adults.
| Reading List: Books & Audio/Visual Material | Black Dog Institute | 7 Pages |
| MindNet | | |
| Internet-based resource and e-bulletin about mental health promotion and prevention | |||
| Multicultural Depression Information | Beyondblue | |
| Easy to Read | Multiple Languages | ||
| Working Well | | |
| Working Well supports employers and managers to create more mentally healthy work places | |||
| Webhealth |  | |
| NZ health & social services | |||
| Order Resources & Pamphlets | | |
| Health Translations Directory | State Government of Victoria, Australia | |
| Australian website with multilingual health information | Multiple Languages | ||
Date last reviewed