About Us

Belmont Alliance Against Depression

We are part of an integrated, community-based approach to tackling depression and suicide. We are not a service provider. Our aim is to link/promote local organisations, clubs, individuals etc promoting messaging aligned to Belmont AAD.

The AAD Framework

The evidence from the European Alliance Against Depression studies revealed that while there is value in intervening through each pillar, real impact on the reduction of suicide only comes with integration of activities in all four.

Alliance Against Depression Stakeholder Mapping

WA Primary Health Alliance (WAPHA) and the Alliance Against Depression (AAD)

Good mental health is fundamental to the wellbeing of individuals, families and communities.

WA Primary Health Alliance (WAPHA) understands the important role primary care plays in supporting whole communities to be mentally healthy.

WAPHA is leading the implementation of the Alliance Against Depression as a key strategic approach to achieving the vision of improved health equity in WA. The strong link between depression and suicide requires a focus on improving access to primary mental healthcare for all people. This can be achieved by raising awareness of depression, by increasing the number of people who seek treatment, and by reducing stigma associated with depression and suicide.

The Alliance Against Depression is an approach based on evaluated trials and is recognised as the world’s best practice for the care of people with depression and in the prevention of suicide. The initial implementation of the framework in the trial region of Nuremberg (The Nuremberg Alliance Against Depression) resulted in a 24 per cent reduction of suicidal acts within a two year period.

The Alliance Against Depression can be adapted to meet the specific cultural and regional needs of a community and has been successfully implemented internationally.

Local Stakeholders

Our Community Committee

Committee member names and positions, a photo and a BIO?

Contact us to join our community network of support (NB we are not a service provider, our aim is to link/promote local organisations, clubs, individuals etc promoting messaging aligned to Belmont AAD

What Is Depression?

“Depression is a common illness worldwide, with more than 300 million people affected. Depression is different from usual mood fluctuations and short-lived emotional responses to challenges in everyday life. Depression results from a complex interaction of social, psychological, and biological factors." - World Health Organisation, WHO, 2017

Depression is an illness that involves not only the mind or brain but the whole body, affecting the way a person eats, sleeps, feels about himself or herself, and thinks about things. It is not a passing normal state of mind. It is neither a sign of personal weakness nor a condition that one can "snap out of".

In general, depression can affect anyone: men and women from all backgrounds, in all professions, and at all stages of life. Even people who seem carefree and content can experience depression.

Depression can be treated. If you think you have depression, seek help from your GP. Source: https://ifightdepression.com

Understanding Depression

Depression is much more than distress or normal suffering. It is an illness involving signs and symptoms that will last for weeks, months, or years without recognition of the condition or appropriate treatment.

Due to the effects that depression has on a person, problems in the family, with friends, at work or at school are commonly seen.

Some symptoms are more common in certain age groups. For example:

Children - Behavioural issues
Youth - Agitation and irritability
Older people - Withdrawal, apathy, and delusional ideas.

Depression is often accompanied by anxiety. Depression can often include physical symptoms.

Physical Symptoms of Depression

Typical physical symptoms associated with depression are:

Reduced appetite and weight loss
Loss of sexual interest
Headaches
Dizziness
Heart problems
Breathing problems
Back pain
Gastrointestinal complaints
Abdominal pain

These physical symptoms are often noticed first (as in two-thirds of all cases) and can be the reason people initially visit their GP. This makes it hard for depression to be recognised and diagnosed.

Anxiety symptoms, many being physical in nature, are also common in depression. These include:

Chest tightness
Shortness of breath
Nausea
Dizziness

Signs & Symptoms of Depression

Common signs and symptoms of depression are:

A persistently sad, anxious, or empty mood
Loss of interest in activities that were once interesting or enjoyable, including sex
Unusual fatigue, low energy level, a feeling of being slowed down
Loss of appetite (with weight loss) or overeating (with weight gain
Sleep disturbance and insomnia, early-morning awakening or oversleeping
Loss of emotional expression (flat affect)
Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism, guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
Social withdrawal
Trouble concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
Unusual restlessness or irritability
Persistent physical problems such as headaches, digestive disorders, or chronic pain that does not respond to treatment
Thoughts of death, suicide, suicide attempts or self-harm.

How to Treat Depression

There are many organisations and services that can help treat depression. A great place to start is with your GP. There are also some very helpful resources and services listed in our local focussed directory right here.

If you or someone is in immediate danger, please call 000 or visit your nearest hospital emergency department.