Depression

If you or someone you know is experiencing depression, help is available. See the bottom of this page for support services available to you.

What is depression?

Depression is a common mental illness. It’s more than just a ‘low mood’, as it affects a person’s physical and mental health, which can last for weeks, months or years. Depression is experienced in different ways by people, and may cause persistent feelings of sadness, disinterest, hopelessness, guilt and/or worthlessness. Depression is more common than many people may think. It is estimated 45% of Australians will experience a mental health condition during their lifetime, and about 1 in 16 Australians experience depression each year.

Feeling sad or down is an emotional response that each of us endure at times. But if you’re feeling intense sadness or depression for longer than two weeks, then you may be experiencing a depressive episode and could benefit from seeking professional advice and support. Understanding more about depression can help people recognise risk factors, signs and symptoms, and know when and how to seek help.

Types of depression

There are different types of depressive disorders that sit within major depression, with differing symptoms ranging from mild, moderate and severe.

Major Depression – also known as a major depressive disorder involves a change in previous functioning, resulting in low mood and/or loss of interest or pleasure. Depression is characterised by persistent negative thoughts and low moods that occur during the same two-week period. Depression can interfere with one’s ability to handle daily activities such as sleeping and eating, concentrating and may impact on education, career, health, and interpersonal relationships. The type of depressive episode experienced can vary in severity, ranging from mild, moderate to severe which will be assessed and determined by a mental health professional (psychologist or psychiatrist).

What is the difference between depression and anxiety

Depression is different to anxiety, which can also affect a person’s mood. While depression relates to a single condition (with many different symptoms), anxiety disorders cover a range of specific conditions which can include generalised anxiety disorder, social anxiety, separation anxiety, panic attacks, and specific phobias. Symptoms can also slightly differ between those commonly experienced with depression and anxiety.

Signs and symptoms of depression?

Depression affects a person’s mental and physical wellbeing and can be experienced differently by each person. It is important that if you believe you or someone you know is experiencing any signs or symptoms of depression, that you seek help from a health professional immediately. Signs and symptoms of a depressive disorder may include:

Emotional symptoms

  • Sadness, emptiness or feeling ‘down’ for most of the day, every day

  • Disinterest or loss of pleasure in regular activities

  • Feelings of guilt, hopelessness, worthlessness, disappointment or irritability

  • Isolating and withdrawing oneself from friends or family

  • Avoidance or inability to complete tasks at work/school

  • Tearfulness

  • Suicidal thoughts

*If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, call Lifeline Australia on 13 11 14 who will listen and can support you.

Physical symptoms

  • Significant weight loss or gain

  • Loss or change of appetite

  • Insomnia or difficult sleeping

  • Lethargy or exhaustion

  • Being fidgety or unable to sit still

  • Issues with concentration, memory and decision making

  • Decreased sex drive

What causes depression?

Depression is a uniquely different experience for every person, however the cause of it can be linked to a number of contributing social, environmental or psychological factors.

  • Genetic (family history)

  • Biochemical (brain chemistry)

  • Adverse life events (such as losing your job)

  • Social factors (e.g. conflict in relationships)

  • Long-term pressures (e.g. bullying, workplace stress)

  • Pregnancy or post-natal period

Who can I seek advice and support from?

Your doctor or another health professional such as a psychologist or psychiatrist, are best to determine if you are experiencing depression.

As each person will experience depression differently, it is essential you seek the support of a health professional who will be able to guide you on a number of effective treatment options that may be right for you. Often, health professionals may recommend medication and psychological treatments (talk therapy), or a combination of both.

Some of the different treatment options are:

Psychological treatment:

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): Involves working with a therapist to identify thought and behaviour patterns, and shift negative thoughts or behaviour to a more positive approach.

Interpersonal therapy: Psychological therapy that focuses on relationships problems, recurring patterns, and the skills to deal with them.

Behaviour therapy: This forms a big part of CBT, however it doesn’t attempt to change beliefs or values.

Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy: Often done in groups, it often involves ‘mindfulness meditation’ which focuses on positive feelings and thoughts in the present moment.

  • eTherapy / Online therapy: Mental health treatment delivered online by a mental healthcare professional, that may be suitable for someone with mild depression.

  • Exercise: Engaging in exercise such as yoga, pilates, running, bicycle riding, or swimming are great ways to move the body and look after the mind. Research indicates regular exercise can increase the level of endorphins in the brain which have ‘mood-lifting’ properties, and may help alleviate symptoms of depression.

Pharmacological treatment:

Antidepressant: Prescribed by a doctor, these may be suitable for those experiencing moderate to severe depression, when other treatments haven’t been successful or are not possible. There are a number of common side effects people may experience when taking antidepressants, and it is essential to work alongside a doctor to have progress regularly reviewed.

It may take some time, and some trial and error to find an antidepressant that works best for you, at a dose most suitable for you. Speak to your GP and local MediADVICE pharmacist for support with your antidepressant medication.

Where to get help and support

Where to get help and support

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, it is strongly encouraged you seek immediate help from a healthcare professional, such as a GP or psychologist. Discuss with your GP whether you are eligible to access a mental health care plan and receive a referral to a mental health professional, such as a psychologist.

There are also a number of Australian mental health services you can reach out to for support:

Resources:

*: https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/resources-support/depression/

^: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/the-facts

1: https://www.bupa.com.au/healthlink/conditions-and-treatments/mental-health/anxiety/what-is-anxiety/whats-the-difference-between-anxiety-and-depression

2: https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/5-exercise_depression.pdf

3: https://www.healthline.com/health/depression

4: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/postnatal-depression-pnd

5: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/the-facts/depression/signs-and-symptoms