Depression

Depression can affect anyone. It can vary from mild to severe and can have a profound impact, affecting every aspect of the individual, their relationships, family and work life.

Depression is a very common condition which affects 1 in 10 people at any one time, 450,000 people in Ireland alone. Any one of us, irrespective of age, gender or background can be affected. Recovery is possible, early recognition and ongoing support are key to a positive outcome.

Signs and Symptoms

There is a stigma around depression and other mental health conditions, but in recent times the message that “it’s OK not be OK” is becoming more widely accepted. The more we all talk about our mental health, the more we take away the taboo and it becomes easier to have conversations without a fear of being judged. Sometimes we are our own harshest critics.

If left untreated, depression can feel debilitating and leave people with an overwhelming sense of hopelessness. At worst, it can lead to thoughts of suicide and self-harm. This is why it is so important to seek help as soon as you can. Make a call to a helpline/medical professional or talk to your family or friends and you will be taking the first step towards feeling better.

Signs and symptoms

The feelings that come with depression are many and varied. You might experience some of the following:

feeling down, upset or tearful
restless, agitated or irritable
empty and numb
isolated and unable to relate to other people
finding no pleasure in life or things you usually enjoy
no self-confidence or self-esteem
hopeless and despairing
suicidal
avoiding social events and activities you usually enjoy
self-harming or suicidal behaviour
difficulty remembering or concentrating on things
using more tobacco, alcohol or other drugs than usual
difficulty sleeping, or sleeping too much
feeling tired all the time
no appetite and losing weight, or eating too much and gaining weight
physical aches and pains with no obvious physical cause

Advice

There are a range of supports and services available both inside and outside of AGS. The most important thing to do is to start a conversation with someone about how you are feeling. In addition to the supports listed below, you will also find details on self care - please take the time to read through these not only for your own wellbeing but perhaps also to support someone you are worried about.

Seek help

24/7 Support

For urgent help call Pieta House on freephone 1800 247 247 or you can text HELP to 51444. The helpline is manned by qualified therapists.

As an employee of AGS, you can contact the Inspire 24/7 Helpline at any time on 1800 817 433. The service is free and confidential. You do not need to be “in crisis” to use this service, you can speak to someone about any concern – big or small.

The Samaritans – 116123

Other Services and Supports

Aware – on 1800 80 48 48 Mon to Sun 10am to 10pm aware.ie

You can contact any of the services/supports in An Garda Síochána including:

Employee Assistance Service on 01 6660390 or employeeassistance@garda.ie

Peer Supporters – a full list of peer supporters is available on the portal or you can contact EAS to ask for details of Peer Supporters in your area.

Chaplains

Fr. Joe Kennedy and Rev. David Pierpoint have their contact numbers listed on the portal

Self Care

Don’t bottle things up – talk to someone. Depression is more common than you think and you may find the person has experience of it.
Create your own support network. Spend time in the company of people you enjoy being around – family, friends and colleagues
Avoid alcohol and drugs
Keep active – even when you don’t feel like it. Gentle exercise, even a short walk outdoors can have a positive influence on your mood
Pay attention to your sleep patterns and try to establish a good sleep routine
Eat well so that you have enough energy to sustain and nourish you.
Be kind to yourself. Be gentle and have patience.