Depression
Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions in Australia. Around 1 in 7 people experience it at some point. It’s more than ordinary sadness: a persistent state that affects how you think, feel and function, and it can make small tasks feel like too much.
Depression responds well to treatment. With the right support, most people improve. This page covers what depression looks like, what tends to cause it, and how treatment works.
What are the symptoms of depression?
Depression looks different from person to person. It’s generally diagnosed when several symptoms last two weeks or more and get in the way of daily life.
Emotional & cognitive
- Persistent low mood, or feeling empty
- Loss of interest in things you used to enjoy
- Feelings of worthlessness, guilt or hopelessness
- Trouble concentrating or making decisions
- Irritability or restlessness
- Recurring thoughts of death or suicide
Physical & behavioural
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Fatigue, even after rest
- Slowed speech or movement, or restlessness
- Withdrawing from friends, family or usual activities
Not everyone has all of these, and the intensity varies. Some people also get unexplained aches, headaches or digestive problems without connecting them to their mental health.
What causes depression?
There’s rarely a single cause. Depression tends to develop from a mix of factors.
Biological
Genetics, brain chemistry and hormonal changes can all play a part.
Life circumstances
Grief, a relationship breakdown, financial stress, job loss or chronic illness.
Psychological
Long-standing patterns of negative thinking, low self-esteem, or unresolved trauma.
Social
Isolation, lack of support, or ongoing conflict.
Other conditions
Depression often occurs alongside anxiety, chronic pain and other health conditions.
How is depression treated?
Depression is usually treated with psychological therapy, sometimes alongside medication prescribed by a GP or psychiatrist.
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
Spotting and shifting unhelpful thought and behaviour patterns.
Interpersonal therapy (IPT)
Focusing on relationships and life changes that feed low mood.
Acceptance & commitment therapy (ACT)
Building psychological flexibility and reconnecting with activities that matter to you.
Behavioural activation
Gradually bringing back activities that lift mood and motivation.
When should I see a psychologist about depression?
You don’t need to wait until things feel unmanageable.
- Low mood or loss of interest that has lasted two weeks or more
- Symptoms starting to affect work, study or relationships
- Trouble coping with tasks that used to feel manageable
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicide. Seek support immediately; see the crisis contacts above.
A GP can set you up with a Mental Health Care Plan under Medicare’s Better Access scheme, which covers a rebate for a set number of psychology sessions each year.
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Get matched with a psychologistFrequently asked questions
Is depression the same as feeling sad?
No. Sadness is a normal, temporary response to a specific situation. Depression is a persistent state that affects mood, thinking and functioning over a longer stretch, and it usually doesn’t lift on its own the way sadness does.
Can depression go away without treatment?
Some mild, situational low moods improve on their own with time and support. Clinical depression often persists or worsens without treatment. Most people improve noticeably with the right therapeutic support.
How long does treatment for depression take?
It varies widely. Some people notice a shift within a few sessions; others benefit from ongoing support over several months. Your psychologist will set a plan with you that fits your situation.
Do I need a GP referral to see a psychologist for depression?
No. You can see a psychologist directly. A GP referral is only needed if you want a Medicare rebate through a Mental Health Care Plan.
What’s the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist for depression?
Psychologists provide talk therapy and can’t prescribe medication. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who can prescribe and may also provide therapy. Many people see a psychologist for therapy and a GP or psychiatrist for medication where it’s needed.
Is online therapy effective for depression?
Telehealth psychology sessions work well for many people with depression, and they offer more flexibility and access, particularly for people in regional areas.
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