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1.What is depression? How many people live with depression?
The word “depression” is often used to describe the feelings of sadness which all of us experience at some stage of our lives. It is also a term used to describe a form of mental illness called clinical depression, which describes not just one illness but a group of illnesses characterised by excessive or long-term depressed mood, which affects a person’s life. Clinical depression is often accompanied by feelings of anxiety. In Australia more than 800 000 people will experience depression every year.

2.What is antidepression medication? How does it work?
Antidepression medication helps reduce the symptoms of depression. It can help to reduce anxiety and worry enabling someone to experience enjoyment, proper sleep and reduced feelings of guilt. Only doctors can prescribe antidepression medication. The medication works by helping to balance certain natural chemicals in the brain and so reduce symptoms. Medication can take up to four weeks to work with a maximum benefit at six months. There are many types of antidepression medication and different ones work for different people. Antidepression medication does not change your personality, are non-addictive and for maximum results, is to be used in conjunction with other treatments such as counselling.

3.What are the side effects of antidepression medication?

Side effects such as nausea, sleep disturbance and headaches can be experienced while the body is getting used to the medication. Longer-term side effects can include diarrhoea/constipation, headaches, lower sexual responsiveness, dizziness/blurred vision, weight gain, dry mouth and sweating. The prescribing doctor can manage the side effects.

4.Who are the Afghani people of rural Australia?
In 2002-03 financial year, 964 people arrived from Afghanistan. Of these 842 came under the Humanitarian program administered through the Department of Immigration, Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs (DIMIA). From 1999 to 2002, 9,160 unauthorized boat arrivals came to Australia mainly from Afghanistan and Iraq. Of these some 90% were found to be genuine refugees. Between 1990-2004 DIMIA has granted 3,661 temporary protection visas to Afghanis. 1 in 10 Temporary Protection Visa holders live in regional areas such as Murray Bridge (SA), Kataming Area (WA), Mildura, Swan Hill, Sheparton and Bendigo (VIC) Young, Griffith and Dubbo (NSW) Kilcoy and Gattan (Qld).

5.Why is Depression an issue for the Afghani people?
Afghani refugees have fled their country due to tragic, violent and potentially fatal circumstances. It is typical for Afghani refugees to leave all their family and friends and make the journey to Australia alone. The torture and trauma suffered by the Afghani’s coupled with intense loneliness creates an extremely stressful context. Through the process of applying for a Permanent Protection Visa (PPV), some are issued with a Temporary Protection Visa (TPV). The temporary nature of the visa places enormous stress on the individual for they are unable to plan for their futures, and fear being returned home. Due to their experiences, Temporary Protection Visa holders are at high risk of developing depression and post-traumatic stress disorder compared to refugees with Permanent Protection Visas.