Depression: Knowing the signs and finding help

We all have those days when it feels like you’re being followed by a dark cloud. The cloud hangs steadily over your head, making everything else seem dark, too. Then, when things pile up, it feels like you’re being rained on.

For most of us, the rain clears up and the cloud continues to float by, making way for life’s clear blue skies. But what happens when that dark cloud lingers around more often than not?

Here, we look at signs and symptoms of depression, plus when it might be time for you to talk to someone.

Depression is more than just feeling sad or having a cry. It involves a range of behavioural, emotional and physical symptoms that last for prolonged periods of time and can affect your ability to perform daily tasks.

It’s a common mental disorder, affecting around one in 7 people in Australia at some point in their lives.¹

Depression can affect people of any age, gender or culture, although the exact symptoms may vary.

While crying and feeling sad may be more recognisable signs of depression, did you know that depression can also include symptoms like irritability, aggression and even physical aches and pains?

The symptoms of depression may include (but are not limited to):

• low mood on more days than not for 2 weeks or longer
• loss of interest in activities you usually enjoy
• reduced energy or fatigue
• apathy
• regular crying
• extreme irritability
• withdrawing from others
• over-eating or under-eating
• feelings of worthlessness
• self-harm or thoughts of self-harm
• excessive sleeping or insomnia
• reduced ability to concentrate
• lack of self-confidence
• excessive guilt or pessimism
• thoughts of death or suicide.

You may also experience physical symptoms, including:

• headaches
• muscle fatigue
• stomach problems
• physical agitation.

Studies show that women are more likely to be diagnosed with depression than men. However, research also shows that women are more likely to seek help for their mental health, an important first step in treating depression.²

On the flip side, men are more likely to put off seeking help for their depression. In some cases, this might be because of certain stigmas and norms around masculinity, which may prevent men from showing vulnerability. Tragically, 7 men take their own lives in Australia every day.³

Transgender, gender diverse and non-binary people experience a higher rate of mental health conditions than the rest of the population.⁴ This is often due to the stigma and discrimination faced by LGBTQIA+ people in society, as well as abuse, trauma, bullying and feelings of isolation. In one study, 73% of transgender and gender diverse people reported being diagnosed with depression.⁵

Depression might present differently depending on your sex too. Women and people assigned female at birth are more likely to dwell on their problems and link their depression to relationship issues. They’re also more likely to experience an anxiety or eating disorder, together with low mood.

When men and people assigned male at birth are depressed, they may experience greater levels of irritability and anger, and have a higher risk of substance abuse and risk-taking behaviour.

At the end of the day, the main factor of depression is its impact on your everyday life. If symptoms get in the way of your work, friendships, family life and general health, then now may be the time to get help.

If you or someone you know experiences depressive symptoms for 2 weeks or longer, it’s important to act. Depression usually doesn’t simply go away.

The good news, though, is that the right management strategies and treatment can help get you back on track. A visit to your GP is often a great place to start, but confidential support is also available online or over the phone (see below).

Remember, help is always available. And with time and work, those dark clouds can pass.

If yours or someone else’s life is in danger, dial 000 immediately.

Lifeline Australia offers 24/7 crisis support online and on the phone at 13 11 14.

Beyond Blue offers 24/7 mental health information and support online and on the phone at 1300 224 636.

13YARN offers a national crisis support line for First Nations People on 13 92 76. The support line is available 24/7.

1800Respect is a 24/7 support service for people experiencing domestic violence. You can find support, counselling and information online or on the phone at 1800 737 732.

PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia) supports the mental health of parents and families online and on the phone at 1300 726 306.

MensLine is a counselling service for men. You can get 24/7 support online and on the phone at 1300 78 99 78.

QLife offers LGBTQIA+ peer support online and over the phone on 1800 184 527.