Depression
Depression is more than just a rough patch or a string of bad days; it’s a serious health condition that affects around 1 in 4 young people in Australia. It changes how you think, feel, and manage everyday life, often taking a toll on your study, work, and friendships.
It looks different for everyone, but common signs of depression include feeling constantly low, losing interest in things you usually love, experiencing anxiety, or just feeling ‘flat’ and exhausted. There are many different types of depression, each with its own unique patterns and treatments.
The good news? You don’t have to just 'tough it out.' Whether you’re looking for self-help strategies, want to learn about professional help, or need to find support services in Australia, we’ve got the info to help you get back on track.
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Frequently asked questions about depression
Depression is a serious mental health condition that affects your mood and behaviour for more than two weeks. Unlike a temporary bad mood, depression makes it really difficult to manage daily life, and it doesn't ‘go away’ over time.
Sadness is a normal reaction to a specific event (like a breakup or bad results) and usually fades over time. Depression lasts longer, feels more intense, and can occur without a clear reason. If you feel low on more days than not for two weeks, there may be something more serious going on.
Depression usually develops due to a combination of factors. Some can be external, such as stressful life events, trauma, loneliness or school pressure. Some factors can also be internal, such as genetics, hormonal changes during puberty or the effects of certain medications.
Common signs of depression in young people often look different than they do in adults. You might feel constantly irritable, lose interest in hobbies or start feeling ‘numb’. Physical signs like unexplained headaches or changes in appetite or sleep patterns are also common. If you feel low on more days than not for a few weeks, or if you really aren’t sure why you feel so bad, there might be something serious going on.
Depression is very common - about 1 in 4 young Australians aged 16-24 will experience depression. Research shows that most people who will experience depression will first notice symptoms when they’re a teen or young adult. If you are feeling this way, you are definitely not alone.
The most effective first step you can take is to talk about it with someone you trust, like a trusted friend, family member, teacher, or GP. You can also support your wellbeing with small things like sticking to a regular sleep routine, doing some gentle exercise, and staying connected with friends, even when it feels tough.
Read about practical self-help strategies for depression.
A treatment plan for depression is usually tailored to you with the help of a GP or a mental health professional. It will often include psychological therapies, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), as well as lifestyle changes like exercising regularly, eating well and improving sleep hygiene. Sometimes, a doctor might also recommend medication (usually antidepressants).
Read more about treatments for depression.
If you’ve been feeling ‘off’ or low for more than two weeks, or if your mood is getting in the way of school, work, or your social life, it’s okay to reach out for professional support. A GP can help you navigate what’s happening and set up a mental health care plan for Medicare-subsidised psychology sessions. Remember, you don’t need to wait for a crisis to start feeling better.
Learn more about different types of mental health professionals.
For immediate, 24/7 support, you can talk to someone over the phone or online at Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800) or Lifeline (13 11 14). For ongoing support, headspace has youth-friendly centres across the country where you can talk to someone in person. You can also chat online for free with a peer worker who gets what you’re going through via ReachOut PeerChat.
Check out this list of anxiety and depression support services around Australia.
If you feel like you might hurt yourself, call 000 immediately or go to your local emergency department. If you’re having thoughts about self-harm but aren't in immediate danger, call a helpline like Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800) or Lifeline (13 11 14) right away. People are ready to listen and help you stay safe.
Learn more about self-harm and coping with suicidal thoughts.