Depression can happen to anyone, including a university student. Juggling studies, work, volunteering, internships, relationships and health all at once is not an easy undertaking. According to statistics collected by Beyond Blue, one in seven Australians will experience depression in their lifetime. This means 15% of Australians aged 16 to 85 have experienced depression, this equates to 2.83 million people today are experiencing depression and related affective disorders.
Here you will find key information about depression, Curtin’s support services and where to find additional support and resources for depression.
What is depression?
It’s natural and healthy to have ups and downs in life. Feeling a range of emotions and moods makes life rich and meaningful. However, when the downs are intense and long-lasting (for weeks, months, or even years), it becomes a risk of depression. Depression can be described from Mild to Severe based on how long you have been depressed, and the impact it has on your life.
Depression can be associated with:
Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, worthlessness, and emptiness.
Loneliness.
Regularly being teary.
Isolation.
Guilt.
Exhaustion.
Withdrawal from relationships.
Irritation or edginess.
Anger.
Low mood.
Appetite changes.
Sleep changes.
Concentration issues.
Thoughts of harming yourself and/or suiciding.
Loss of interest in things which use to bring joy.
While these symptoms can present themselves differently and at varying severities for different people, if you have been experiencing several of them for two or more weeks you may be experiencing depression and should seek help.
Support at Curtin
Use the support network at Curtin University to learn how to effectively recognise and manage symptoms of addiction. Professional confidentiality is taken seriously at Curtin’s Psychological and Counselling Services and AccessAbility Services, so any information discussed will remain private unless you or others are in danger or if legally obligated to disclose.
Attend one of our group programs or workshops to connect with like minded people, learn about evidence-based psychological science and support, bust myths and stigma around mental health and neurodiversity, and learn practical skills to self-manage your health and wellbeing.
If you are experiencing depressive symptoms and need additional support, book an appointment with one of our psychology trained counsellors.
Explore the extensive range of clinical services the Curtin clinics has to offer. From speech pathology and exercise programs to physiotherapy and psychology, they offer a range of services for children and adults open to the public.
Visit their Clinics webpage for more information about their services.
An excellent way to become more present, connect with people, and look after your overall health and wellbeing is to exercise. Explore the range of sports and recreation programs, social and competitive opportunities, and fitness memberships Curtin sport and recreation has to offer.
Visit the sport and recreation webpage for more information about what’s on and how to register.
Free Education about depression and anxiety, practical skills for breaking down tasks and finding tasks you enjoy, and techniques about cognitive therapy.
This resource is also a course you can ask your GP or psychiatrist to attend in Perth.
