Depression and depressive disorders are common in Australia.
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Key takeaways
- Different types of depressive disorders may need different treatments.
- Speak to your GP if you are concerned about your mental health and wellbeing.
Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions in Australia, affecting one in seven people.1
Under the umbrella term of depression, there are different types of depressive disorders.
Understanding more about the different kinds of depressive conditions may help you access the most appropriate treatment.
What is depression or a depressive disorder?
Feeling unhappy or demotivated at times is normal for everyone. We can all have tough times or bad days.
But depression is more than that, says Dr Zena Burgess, CEO of the Australian Psychological Society.
“Everyone feels sad, flat or low from time to time. Depression, however, is a serious mental health issue where sadness, flat or low mood, or a sense of ‘emptiness’ is prolonged, lasting weeks, months and sometimes years.”
“Depression isn’t just about ‘feeling down’. It presents with a number of other symptoms and interferes with daily life and relationships.”
What causes a depressive disorder?
There are many possible causes of depressive disorders, says Dr Burgess.
“In some individuals, stressful life events such as the loss of a job, long-term unemployment, physical health issues, family problems, the death of a loved one, or the end of a close relationship might act as a trigger for depression. For other people, there is no obvious cause.”
Depression may be caused by several of these risk factors.
“The risks for developing depression are more likely to be related to a combination of a person’s genes, biology, life experiences, stress and thinking style.”
Can I have depression without a depressive disorder?
It's possible to have symptoms of depression without the presence of a diagnosable mental health condition such as a depressive disorder.
However, the presence of depression also puts us more at risk of other conditions, says Dr Burgess.
“Depression commonly occurs with other mental health conditions, including substance use disorders, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder and eating disorders, among others.”
How is depression or a depressive disorder diagnosed?
Your GP, a psychologist or psychiatrist can assess and diagnose a mental health condition.
GPs and psychiatrists can prescribe medications or suggest other treatment such as talking therapy and counselling, which may be provided by a psychologist or trained counsellor.
Free online mental health program
Bupa members get access to one free online mental health and wellbeing program from This Way Up. The programs offer practical tools designed to help manage stress, anxiety and low mood.
Different types of depression
Major depressive disorder (MDD)
MDD is the most common depressive disorder in Australia. Primary symptoms are a low or depressed mood and a loss of interest or pleasure in everyday activities.
If symptoms persist daily for 2 weeks or more, and cannot be attributed to another medical condition, this may indicate the presence of MDD.
Other symptoms can include:2
- insomnia
- changes in weight
- fatigue
- trouble focusing or concentrating
- feelings of worthlessness
- recurrent thoughts of death.
Persistent depressive disorder (PDD) or Dysthymic disorder
Like MDD in terms of symptoms, PDD is characterised by those symptoms being present for 2 years or more (one year in children and adolescence).
Symptoms may be mild to severe and can come and go. People with PDD may find it hard to feel happy on any occasion.3
Perinatal depression
Perinatal depression impacts up to 20% of women in Australia and can occur during pregnancy and after giving birth.
Symptoms can include low mood, tiredness and irritability that persists for more than 2 weeks. Men can also experience perinatal depression.1
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Depressive symptoms that follow seasonal change may be attributed to SAD. Causes may be changes in temperature and exposure to natural sunlight.1
Other depressive disorders
There are other types of depressive disorders, such as substance or medication-induced depressive disorder, premenstrual dysphoric disorder and other rare or non-specific conditions.
Is bipolar a depressive disorder?
Bipolar (formerly known as manic depression) is a mood disorder, not a depressive disorder. Bipolar presents with a manic or hypomanic episode and a depressive episode.4
When to see a doctor
If you are concerned about your mental health, speak to your GP who can ensure you get the correct treatment and can refer you to the right therapist.
They can also organise a mental care plan that gives you access to subsidised fees.
Are you in need of urgent support?
We've put together a list of services for free support that's relevant to where you live, and what you're going through.
At Bupa, trust is everything
Our health and wellbeing information is regularly reviewed and maintained by a team of healthcare experts, to ensure its relevancy and accuracy. Everyone's health journey is unique and health outcomes vary from person to person.
This content is not a replacement for personalised and specific medical, healthcare, or other professional advice. If you have concerns about your health, see your doctor or other health professional.
1Health Direct. (2023). Depression.
2Swinburne University of Technology. (2025). Major Depressive Disorder.
3Mayo Clinic. (2022). Persistent depressive disorder.
4Health Direct. (2024). Bipolar disorder.
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