Medically reviewed by
Dr Beau Growcott BA (Psych), GradDipPsych, MPsych (Counselling), PhD
What is depression?
Depressive disorders are a group of mental health problems that involve feelings of sadness, emptiness or irritability for so long that people begin feeling numb and cannot go about their day-to-day activities.
Depression is different and lasts longer than being sad. Sadness is a normal emotional response to specific events, like loss or disappointment, that goes away over time. Episodes of sadness don’t stop someone from going about their daily life.
When people refer to being ‘depressed’ or ‘having depression’, they are usually referring to a diagnosis by a qualified health professional of Major Depressive Disorder or Persistent Depressive Disorder. People can also experience substance- or medication-induced depressive disorder or depressive disorder due to a health condition.
In children aged under 12 years, Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder may be diagnosed if they are always irritable, and their behaviour is often out of control.
How common is depression?
One in 10 Australian males and more than one in six females, aged 15 years and over, experienced depression in 2021. Thirteen per cent of Australian males aged 16-85 years (almost one in eight) and 19% of females (nearly one in five) have been diagnosed with a depressive disorder at some point in their lives.
Symptoms of depression
A diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder is made when someone experiences five of these symptoms of depression, at least one of which is low mood or loss of interest/pleasure, and the distress they experience interferes with their normal functioning.
Depression in men
Some men with depression experience symptoms different to those listed above. Men experiencing depression are more likely than women to exhibit symptoms of irritability, anger, substance misuse, risk-taking, impulsivity and over-involvement in work.
When male-type depression symptoms are considered, the prevalence of depression is not different between men and women.
What causes depression?
There is no single cause of depression. Depressive disorders result from a combination of biological factors (e.g. genetics, physical health) and environmental factors (e.g. upbringing, past experience, stress) that are different for everyone.
How is depression diagnosed?
Treatment of depression depends on someone’s symptoms, the impact on their life, and what they and their health professionals believe will be helpful.
When mild symptoms first appear, lifestyle changes (e.g. eating more healthy food, exercising, reducing alcohol, improving sleep), relaxation exercises or stress management can be helpful.
For mild-to-moderate symptoms, lifestyle changes, talking therapy (with a psychologist or counsellor) or medication (anti-depressants) can be effective treatments. It may be necessary to try more than one medication to find one that’s effective.
For moderate symptoms, talking therapy, lifestyle changes, medication or brain stimulation (use of magnets or electric current) can be used for treatment.
Severe depression symptoms, depression that does not respond to other treatments, or places a person at risk of serious harm, admission to hospital or electroconvulsive therapy may be necessary.
What does depression mean for my health?
Some men try to manage their depression by themselves and might use alcohol or other substances to cope, or they ignore their symptoms. Substance use can cause health problems, and ignoring the symptoms of depression can cause them to get worse.
Depression is a risk factor for suicide. Seeking help, and being open and honest with your doctor, can help stop depression leading to suicide.
Depression is a risk factor for heart disease, ongoing pain (e.g. headaches, stomach pain), sexual dysfunction (e.g. erectile dysfunction, low sex drive), inflammatory conditions (e.g. irritable bowel syndrome, arthritis), sleep problems (e.g. insomnia), gastrointestinal problems (e.g. constipation, diarrhea), and can make existing health problems worse.
What should I do about depression?
If you have symptoms of depression, even if you don’t feel sad, you should speak to your doctor. They can ask a few questions to find out if you might be at risk of depression or if you are depressed. They can help you start managing your symptoms straight away. If you wait to get help, your symptoms may get worse and depression may be harder, and take longer, to treat.
