Depression - an overview | Better Health Channel
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Summary

Depression is a medical condition characterised by feelings of extreme sadness and dejection. Depression is not just feeling sad. Depression can be treated using a combination of medication and psychological counselling.

Everyone can feel sad, particularly when faced with loss or grief. Depression, however, is more than low mood and sadness at a loss. It is a serious medical illness. It is the result of chemical imbalances in the brain. The sufferer feels extremely sad, dejected and unmotivated.

Depression is common


One in four women and one in six men suffer from depression at some time in their life. Only about 20 per cent of people are correctly diagnosed, because depression can mask itself as a physical illness (like chronic pain, sleeplessness or fatigue).

The symptoms of depression


Some of the symptoms of depression can include:
  • Feeling sad or depressed
  • A loss of interest and pleasure in normal activities
  • Loss of appetite or weight
  • Inability to get to sleep or waking up early
  • Feeling tired all the time
  • Having trouble concentrating
  • Feeling restless, agitated, worthless or guilty
  • Feeling that life isn't worth living.

Causes of depression


Depression results from a combination of physical and psychological factors, which cause chemical imbalances in the brain. Diagnosis in every case needs a careful analysis of causes.

Physical causes include:
  • Mental illness and treatment
  • Inherited traits
  • Chemical changes
  • Drug or alcohol abuse.
Psychological causes include:
  • Life stress
  • Negative experiences and loss
  • High anxiety.

Seek help if you experience symptoms of depression


If you experience some or most of the symptoms of depression, it is important to seek advice from a doctor or counsellor.

Type of help available


Careful medical and psychological evaluation is needed to determine the best treatment. This may include:
  • Drug therapy with antidepressants
  • Psychological therapies
  • Education and counselling
  • Avoiding situations which may contribute to the depression.

Where to get help

Things to remember

  • Depression is a constant feeling of dejection and loss, which stops you doing your normal activities.
  • Depression can be mistaken for a physical illness, such as fatigue.
  • Antidepressants can help most depressed people, but they must be accompanied by psychological therapy and education.
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This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:

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The Mental Health Foundation logo - links to further information

Fact sheet currently being reviewed.
Last reviewed: March 2010

Content on this website is provided for education and information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not imply endorsement and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional. Content has been prepared for Victorian residents and wider Australian audiences, and was accurate at the time of publication. Readers should note that, over time, currency and completeness of the information may change. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions.


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<a href="http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Depression_an_overview?open">Depression - an overview - Better Health Channel</a><br/>
Depression is a medical condition characterised by feelings of extreme sadness and dejection. Depression is not just feeling sad. Depression can be treated using a combination of medication and psychological counselling.

Content on this website is provided for education and information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not imply endorsement and is not intended to replace advice from your qualified health professional. Content has been prepared for Victorian residence and wider Australian audiences, and was accurate at the time of publication. Readers should note that over time currency and completeness of the information may change. All users are urged to always seek advice from a qualified health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions.

For the latest updates and more information, visit www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au

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