WHILE WE CAN ALL FEEL ‘BLUE’ SOMETIMES, DEPRESSION IS AN INTENSE, ONGOING STATE THAT SIGNIFICANTLY AND NEGATIVELY IMPACTS DAY-TO-DAY FUNCTIONING

Have you ...

been feeling sad or irritable for at least two weeks?

lost interest in activities that you usually find enjoyable?

noticed a strong sense of guilt, hopelessness, or worthlessness?

been eating too much or not eating enough?

been sleeping too much or too little?

found you’re angry?

had trouble concentrating?

noticed your memory is poor?

lost interest in sex and intimacy?

been feeling very low?

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Depression affects more than 1 in 5 Australians, making it the fourth most prevalent mental health concern in Australia. We all feel down or “blue” occasionally, or we might feel upset or disappointed. These common feelings usually pass quickly without impacting us or those around us much.

Depression is different, though. It’s an intense, ongoing state that significantly affects day-to-day functioning, leaving you feeling unmotivated and worthless. Things that once brought you joy no longer hold any interest. Sometimes, the cause of these overwhelmingly negative feelings is clear, but other times, there seems to be no rhyme or reason.

We can help you understand what is happening to you, provide strategies for improving your mental health, and help you feel more confident handling life’s challenges.

DEPRESSION MANIFESTS DIFFERENTLY FOR EVERYONE, BUT COMMON SYMPTOMS MIGHT INCLUDE:

Illustration of black dog, Common Symptoms
  • Despair
  • Low motivation
  • A sense of worthlessness, guilt or regret
  • Feeling sad or empty
  • Being teary often
  • Irritability or anger
  • A lack of interest in things you once enjoyed
  • Hopelessness or helplessness
  • Insomnia or changes in sleep and appetite
  • Withdrawing from others and not wanting to socialise
  • Negative thinking about yourself and your future
  • Difficulty concentrating and thinking clearly
  • Feelings unable to cope with everyday life
  • Physical symptoms such as headaches, migraines or stomach pain
  • Thoughts of suicide or dying

If you’re experiencing thoughts of suicide or self-harm, please call Lifeline now on 13 11 14.

Modified image of rain and sunshine split on path

With the right support, you have the strength

within you to overcome this and find joy in life again

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We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land where we work and live, the Darkinjung People and pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. We celebrate the stories, culture and traditions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders of all communities who also work and live on this land.