Understanding depression
Depression is a low mood that sticks around. It can involve feelings of sadness, emptiness or hopelessness, and it can affect every aspect of your life. You might lose interest in doing the things you love, or withdraw from your normal life.
Depression comes in all shapes and sizes. Your experience could be mild, moderate or severe.
In its mildest form, depression might make you feel down or isolated. Life could feel like an uphill battle and it may feel challenging to engage in normal activities.
Severe depression is more likely to seriously affect how you function in most aspects of your life, including work, hobbies, and relationships.
The main difference between mild, moderate and severe depression is in the number of symptoms you have, the type of symptoms you experience and the severity of how these symptoms impact your life.
Depression is also a shapeshifter – it can show up differently in everyone.
Watch this video to learn more about depression.
When is it a problem?
Feeling low or sad at times is part of being human. But if these feelings don’t pass, they cause you distress, or they begin to interfere with your life, it could be a sign that you’re experiencing depression.
Remember, depression is treatable and there are people who want to help.
You can:
- Learn ways to feel better right now and in the long term
- Explore tools and apps that can help manage symptoms
- Contact a 24/7 support service like Lifeline or Beyond Blue.
Who does depression affect?
Depression is a mood disorder that doesn’t discriminate. Regardless of how old you are, your gender, religion, cultural background, sexuality or any other identity you resonate with, depression can impact you.
“Although I am a happy extrovert, I also tend to hide under that facade and feel like I need to put on the happy mask all the time. ”
Download our depression factsheet.
