Psychosocial hazards – Depression
What is Depression?
Depression is more than just feeling sad or down, it is a mental health disorder that affects how you feel, think, and handle everyday activities. Depression can come about at all ages and can be caused by multiple factors such as work stress, personal issues, or significant life changes.
There are signs and symptoms of depression to help you identify it, they include:
- Constant sadness and low mood
- No interest in activities you previously enjoyed
- Unstable sleep patterns
- Loss of appetite or weight
- Constant fatigue
- Trouble concentrating and making decisions
- Feeling worthless
- Withdrawing from family and friends
- Thoughts of suicide or self-harm
Seeking Help for Depression:
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms above, it is important to seek help. One of the most effective ways to fight against depression and improve your quality of life is by seeking early intervention. Some resources available to support you include:
- General Practitioner (GP): Can provide a mental health assessment and give referrals to other mental health services
- Psychologists and Psychiatrists: Can offer therapy and medication if required
- Counselling: Help you work through your personal issues
It is important to not only seek help once you begin to see signs and symptoms but to create a supportive environment to prevent the onset of depression. This is extremely important and can begin in the work environment, some ways this can be done to promote mental health among your colleagues is:
- Checking in with each other on a regular basis
- Creating a work environment where people can talk about how they feel and discussing mental health is encouraged
- Sharing experiences and identifying coping strategies that worked for you
Physical activity can significantly improve symptoms of depression, by improving mood, reducing anxiety, increasing energy levels, improving sleep, and enhancing self-esteem. Some recommendations for physical activity include:
- Incorporating physical activity into daily routines, such as team sports, walking and cycling
- Aiming for at least 30 minutes of exercise each day
- Encouraging group physical activities with colleagues, which will also strengthen social bonds
If you are noticing signs and symptoms of depression, you can complete a mental health consultation and see a mental health doctor. You can also contact Mental health support lines such as:
- Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
- Mates in Construction: 1300 642 111
- Black Dog Institute: (02) 9382 2991
For more information, see our safety alert on mental health
