Depression

What is depression?

Depression affects how you feel about yourself. It can make life more difficult to manage from day to day.

You might lose interest in things you usually enjoy. You may lack energy, have trouble sleeping or sleep more than usual.

Some people feel irritable and some find it hard to concentrate.  

Symptoms of depression

Everyone experiences depression differently.

Common signs and symptoms of depression can include:

• withdrawing from friends and family
• trouble concentrating
• feeling overwhelmed, empty or numb
• thinking nothing ever good happens
• being constantly tired

Learn more: Signs and symptoms of depression

Suicidal thoughts

Sometimes people who are experiencing depression may also experience suicidal thoughts. To learn more visit Suicidal warning signs.

Types of depression

There are several types of depression. Each type has different symptoms and is treated differently.

Common types of depression include major depression (including postnatal depression), bipolar disorder and persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia).

Learn more: Types of depression

Causes of depression

We don’t know exactly what causes depression. However, we do know there are a number of things linked to its development.

Depression usually develops because of a combination of life events, personal factors and changes in the brain. It doesn’t usually develop because of one issue or event.

Learn more: Causes of depression

Do I have depression?

It can be hard to know whether you’re feeling depressed or have depression.

Our anonymous Anxiety and Depression Test (K10) can help you understand whether your anxious feelings are the kind of worries that will go away on their own, or whether it’s time to get more support to help you feel better.

It’s an evidence-based test that asks 10 questions about how you've been feeling over the past 4 weeks. Australian doctors and mental health professionals use this test, known as the K10. They sometimes ask you to take the K10 and talk about it with you.

Start the K10 test

Seeking treatment and support for depression in Australia

There are many different approaches to treating depression. These include medications, therapy (such as cognitive behaviour therapy) and lifestyle changes.

We’ve got resources to help you if you’re feeling miserable, have been diagnosed with depression or are supporting someone with depression.

Treatments for depression

Depression is unlikely to go away on its own.

Finding the right treatment and support can help you learn how to manage your depression and start to feel better.

Learn more: Treatments for depression

Finding mental health support

Your GP can be a good place to start the conversation about your mental health.

We can also help you find other support that’s right for you. This could include talking to our counsellors or helping you find a mental health professional near you.

Get mental health support

Connect with our online peer support community

Anonymously read, share and learn from people who are also living with anxiety.

The Beyond Blue Forums is a welcoming peer support community.

Visit the Beyond Blue Forum depression discussions

Working with depression

If you’re recovering from or managing poor mental health, work can help you to get better and stay well. There are things you and your employer can do to help.

Learn about working with poor mental health

Depression in children and young people

Like adults, children and young people can experience mental health conditions such as depression. As a parent or carer, it can help to know:

• what the signs of depression might be in a child or young person
• how to have a conversation with them about your concerns
• what support is available.

Learn about depression in children and young people

Supporting someone else

If you’re worried about someone close to you, there are things you can do to support them.

• Talking to someone you’re worried about
• Supporting someone with a mental health condition