Overview
Depression is a common mental health condition that affects mood, energy, thinking, sleep, appetite, motivation, and daily functioning.
Everyone feels sad, flat, or discouraged at times. Depression is different because symptoms are more persistent, more intense, and interfere with life.
Depression is not a personal weakness or a failure of character. It is a health condition that can be treated.
Common symptoms
Depression can involve:
- Persistent low mood
- Loss of interest or pleasure
- Low motivation
- Fatigue or low energy
- Sleep problems
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
- Difficulty concentrating
- Slowed thinking or movement
- Agitation or irritability
- Social withdrawal
- Reduced libido
- Hopelessness
- Thoughts of death or self-harm
Not everyone experiences all symptoms.
Depression can look different in different people
Some people feel sad and tearful. Others feel numb, irritable, disconnected, exhausted, or unable to enjoy anything.
Depression may show up as:
- Struggling to get out of bed
- Avoiding messages or responsibilities
- Losing interest in hobbies
- Feeling overwhelmed by small tasks
- Reduced work or study performance
- Feeling like a burden
- Increased alcohol or substance use
- Physical aches, headaches, or digestive symptoms
Possible causes and contributors
Depression can be influenced by:
- Genetics and family history
- Stressful life events
- Grief or loss
- Relationship problems
- Work stress
- Trauma
- Chronic illness or pain
- Sleep problems
- Alcohol or substance use
- Hormonal changes
- Certain medications
- Social isolation
- Financial stress
Often, there is no single cause.
Diagnosis
Depression is diagnosed through a clinical assessment. Your psychiatrist may ask about:
- Mood
- Interest and pleasure
- Sleep
- Appetite
- Energy
- Concentration
- Thoughts of guilt or worthlessness
- Safety and self-harm thoughts
- Medical history
- Medication and substance use
- Stressors and supports
They may also screen for anxiety, bipolar disorder, ADHD, trauma, and other conditions that can overlap with depression.
Treatment options
Treatment may include:
- Psychological therapy
- Lifestyle and routine support
- Sleep improvement
- Exercise support
- Social support
- Stress reduction
- Medication such as antidepressants where appropriate
- Treating underlying medical or substance-related contributors
- Safety planning if there are thoughts of self-harm
Treatment should be based on severity, preferences, history, risks, and goals.
When to seek urgent help
Seek urgent support if you are having thoughts of suicide, self-harm, or feel unable to stay safe.
In Australia, you can contact:
- Emergency services: 000
- Lifeline: 13 11 14
- Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467
- Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
If there is immediate danger, call 000 or attend the nearest emergency department.
Important note
This information is general and does not replace medical advice. Depression is treatable, and support is available.