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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    What are the signs and symptoms of depression?

    Related Topics
    Depression Mental Health
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    beyondblue

    beyondblue is a national, independent, not-for-profit organisation working to address issues associated with depression, anxiety and related disorders in Australia.beyondblue is a bipartisan initiative of … View Profile

    If you notice any behavioural changes that last for more than two weeks in family members or friends, then it is worth asking if the person may be depressed.

    Common behaviour associated with depression includes:

    • slowing down of thoughts and actions.
    • staying home from work or school
    • spending less time with friends and family
    • moodiness that is out of character
    • increased irritability and frustration
    • loss of interest in food, sex, exercise or other pleasurable activities
    • being awake throughout the night
    • increased alcohol and drug use
    • finding it hard to take minor personal criticisms
    • increased physical health complaints like fatigue or pain
    • being reckless or taking unnecessary risks (e.g. driving fast or dangerously)

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    Dr Jennifer Barnes

    Psychologist

    I am a psychologist in private practice.I also lecture and supervise psychologists/psychology students at University.I work with clients who suffer from depression and anxiety. I … View Profile

    While everyone is different, Depression is a term used when someone feels very sad for weeks or months. The person will be unusually negative in their view of themselves and others. There will be a sense of hopelessness that is difficult or impossible to shake. The depressed person will find that they lack the energy to do thinks that they usually do. They will comment that they never seem to feel happy, and they find that things that made them happy in the past, do not make them happy now. There are also changes in sleeping and eating patterns. People complain that they sleep too much or too little, and that their appetite has increased or decreased. After someone has been unhappy for some months, they may even think of suicide. I suggest people with these symptoms see their doctor or a psychologist. There is some very good and very effective treatment for depressoin available. Noone should suffer alone.

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    Dr David Wells

    Clinical Psychologist, Counsellor, Psychologist

    Dr David Wells is a fully registered Psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia. David has experience in both private practice and public sector work.Although … View Profile

    Good answers above. Some of my clients just say that they haven't felt good for quite a while. They don't enjoy what they usually think of as pleasure. They lose motivation and can't seem to get going. A very important one for a lot of people is that they just don't want to be with other people anymore. If any of these symptoms apply to you please see your GP for follow up assessment

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    Margie Ulbrick

    Counsellor

    I am a Melbourne Relationship Counsellor and Family Lawyer who is skilful in helping people get out of the pain of relationship distress and create … View Profile

    It may be that you feel a lack of energy or enthusiasm or that you notice you want to pour another drink and have more than you normally would. It may be that you are restless, unmotivated or cannot sleep. Depression is different for different people but it can be alleviated/cured and having the courage to ask for help is a wise thing. If you feel you might be depressed and even if it is only a possibility, it is a good step to take in favour of yourself to seek help early. Good luck!

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    Mr Max von Sabler

    Clinical Psychologist, Psychologist

    http://www.mvsgroup.com.au/ Max is a clinical psychologist working in the public and private health sectors. He currently holds several appointments at Monash Health where he provides … View Profile

    Depression affects each of us differently, meaning that the symptoms that you may experience may not be the same as other people's.

    Commonly, though, there are changes in your mood that can feel like sadness, emptiness, or feeling flatness (less ups and downs that usual). This is commonly accompanied by a difficulty in finding the motivation to do the things that you previously enjoyed. You may also find that your thoughts are more negative, and that it is easier to engage with these thoughts that normal.

    You can find out more about depression on my website here: https://mvsgroup.com.au/concerns/depression/

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