In this ISLAND Newsletter

• Depression - Living with it and taking steps to overcome it
• Depression in the context of dementia
  
• Mental Health Helplines
  
• Invitation - Understanding Dementia MOOC

Thanks for being involved in ISLAND and helping us reduce dementia risk in Tasmania. 

Living with depression and taking steps to overcome it

A few months ago, we featured a piece on depression and its link to dementia. If you would like to read it again, please follow this link. 

This time, we thought we’d talk about living with depression – and about how we can take steps to overcome it. Life can get a bit much for any of us from time to time and its completely ok to slow down. It’s also ok to ask for help – speaking up about problems shows strength and not doing so can become exhausting. We've included some resources at the end of this newsletter for anyone who may need them. 

It is not easy to live with depression. It can slow us down and cloud our thinking and judgement. We can also feel like we have to work twice as hard as others just to get through a normal day. It is also important to distinguish depression from sadness. Sadness is a normal reaction to loss, challenge or disappointment and it something we all feel at times. Depression on the other hand is much more long lasting and includes feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness and guilt. It can also have physical problems including lack of energy, trouble sleeping, changes in appetite and weight gain or loss. 

Reaching out to your General Practitioner, a family member, good friend or contacting one of the groups we've referenced in this newsletter is a great way to start to get some help. Sometimes it can be hard to get professional help, because when we are depressed we can become isolated and talking to others can feel uncomfortable. Your doctor is the best placed to advise you on what might be best in your case, but we've included a few suggestions below of things you can try to help you start to feel better. There are many more than we have included here such as mindfulness, meditation and setting up a daily routine, but we hope these get you started. The University also runs a psychology clinic for Tasmanians to access by self referral or with a GP referral. 

The Lancet Commission report on Dementia Prevention, Intervention and Care (2020) estimates that depression counts for approximately 4% of the total modifiable risk for dementia. It is very important to note that not all people who experience depression will go on to develop dementia. However, if you, or anyone you know, is struggling please have a chat with your GP, and encourage others to do the same. 

Depression in the context of dementia

It can be difficult to distinguish between depression and dementia, although they can occur together in some people. Dementia Australia provide a useful information resource about depression in the context of dementia and how you can help someone. You can have a read here. 

Mental Health Helplines

If you, or anyone else, need help now you can call 000 or Lifeline on 13 11 14 - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

Several organisations provide support and education about mental health, some of the main groups are included below and a full list can be found at Health Direct. 

Beyond Blue - raising awareness about depression and anxiety and reducing stigma. Call 1300 22 4636, 24 hours/7days a week.

Blue Knot Foundation - national centre of excellence for complex trauma. Call 1300 657 380, Monday - Sunday between 9am and 5pm. 

FriendLine supports anyone feeling lonely and wanting a chat. Call 1800 424 287, 7 days a week.

MensLine Australia offers support to Australian men - 1300 789 978, 24 hours/7 days a week.

Understanding Dementia MOOC Available Now

Would you like to find our more about dementia?

You can find out more about dementia as a syndrome, including causes, symptoms and impacts on the person living with dementia and those providing care in the free online course, Understanding Dementia. The course is open now - for more details and to enrol in the course, please go to your ISLAND portal.  

The University of Tasmania received funding from the Australian Government. Views and conclusions expressed in this publication are those of its authors, and may not be the same as those held by the Department of Health.

CRICOS Provider Code: 00586B | ABN 30 764 374 782