Depression is more than just feeling upset or sad – it is a serious condition which makes coping with day-to-day life to be hard and leaves you feeling down most of the time.

Depression is pretty common, especially at uni. Around one in four Australians will experience a depressive disorder. Luckily there is a heap of help on campus, online and everywhere you look!

Signs

While we all go through periods of sadness, stress and being upset, when those symptoms seem to continue for more than a couple of weeks you may need to seek help! Here a a couple of the signs to look out for! 

Feelings 

Overwhelmed // Guilty // Irritable // Frustrated // Lacking in confidence // Unhappy // Indecisive // Disappointed // Miserable  

Behaviour

Not going out anymore // Not getting things done at work/uni // Withdrawing from close family and friends // Relying on alcohol and sedatives // Not doing usual enjoyable activities // Unable to concentrate 

Physical

Tired all the time // Sick and run down // Headaches and muscle pains // Churning gut // Sleep problems // Loss or change of appetite // Significant weight loss or gain

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Anxiety is the most common mental health condition in the nation 

On average, one in four people will experience anxiety at some stage in their life. Balancing uni, work, socialising and other big changes, being a student is a stressful time, making us more susceptible to anxiety.

Signs & Symtoms

Physical: panic attacks, hot and cold flushes, racing heart, tightening of the chest, quick breathing, restlessness, or feeling tense, wound up and edgy

Psychological: excessive fear, worry, catastrophizing, or obsessive thinking 

Behavioural: avoidance of situations that make you feel anxious which can impact on study, work or social life

Types of anxiety 

• Generalised anxiety disorder: excessive worry about anything and everything, including worrying about worrying. 

• Social anxiety disorder: anxiety in social situations, often rooted in the fear of doing something wrong and being judged by others. 

• Panic disorder: repeated panic attacks and worry about future panic attacks. 

• Agoraphobia: anxiety about having a panic attack in certain situations and not being able to escape or to get help. 

• Specific phobias: intense fear of objects or situations (e.g. dogs).