Everyone has difficult days.

You may feel sad after a stressful event, tired after a busy week or less interested in things for a short period.

These feelings can change with time.

Depression is different.

Depression can affect mood, thoughts, sleep, energy, motivation and relationships. It can also make everyday tasks feel difficult.

The Australian Government notes that mental health can affect how people think, feel and act, as well as their work, relationships and physical health.

Understanding the signs of Depression can help you recognise when it may be useful to speak with a health professional.

What Is Depression?

Depression is a mental health condition that can affect a person’s mood and everyday life.

It does not look the same in everyone.

Some people experience ongoing sadness.

Others may feel emotionally numb or disconnected from things they once enjoyed.

A person may continue going to work, looking after their family and meeting responsibilities while privately finding life difficult.

This can sometimes make Depression harder for others to notice.

Common Signs of Depression

Some common signs can include:

• Ongoing low mood
• Loss of interest in usual activities
• Low energy
• Changes in sleep
• Changes in appetite
• Difficulty concentrating
• Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
• Reduced motivation
• Social withdrawal
• Feeling hopeless

Having one of these symptoms does not mean that you have Depression.

The length, severity and effect of symptoms are important when a health professional considers your situation.

Depression Can Affect More Than Mood

Depression is not only about feeling sad.

It can affect different parts of daily life.

You may find it harder to:

• Get out of bed
• Start work
• Complete household tasks
• Spend time with family
• Maintain social connections
• Concentrate
• Make decisions
• Enjoy hobbies

Sleep may also change.

Some people sleep much more than usual. Others have trouble sleeping.

Energy can also change.

A person may feel tired even after resting.

When Should You Consider Professional Support?

It may be useful to speak with your GP or a mental health professional if symptoms continue or begin affecting your everyday life.

You do not need to wait until you feel unable to cope.

A professional can help you understand what you are experiencing and discuss whether further assessment may be useful.

If you are unsure whether your symptoms are related to Depression, that is also a reason to ask for help.

You do not need to diagnose yourself before making an appointment.

Depression and Anxiety Can Overlap

Depression and anxiety can sometimes occur together.

A person may experience low mood while also spending a lot of time worrying.

They may have difficulty sleeping, feel tense or avoid social situations.

This is one reason a wider mental health assessment can be useful.

PsycheTel Australia provides separate psychiatric services for Depression and Anxiety.

The assessment process considers the person’s wider history and current concerns.

What Happens During a Psychiatric Assessment?

A psychiatrist may ask about:

1. Your current symptoms
2. When they started
3. Your mental health history
4. Your physical health
5. Sleep
6. Medicines
7. Family history
8. Relationships
9. Work and daily responsibilities
10. How your symptoms affect your life

This gives the psychiatrist more information than a simple list of symptoms.

The goal is to understand the individual situation before discussing possible treatment or support.

What Can Depression Support Involve?

The right form of care depends on the individual.

Depending on the assessment, support may include:

• Psychological therapy
• Medication where appropriate
• Lifestyle strategies
• Education about Depression
• Follow up with a psychiatrist
• Working with your GP
• Referral to other health professionals

Not every person needs the same type of support.

Your psychiatrist can explain the options that may be appropriate for your situation.

Depression and Daily Life

It can be easy to think that you should simply push through a difficult period.

Some people continue working and caring for others even when they are struggling.

But continuing to meet responsibilities does not mean that someone cannot be experiencing Depression.

If your mood, energy, sleep or interest in life has changed and the change is affecting your daily life, consider speaking with your GP or a qualified mental health professional.

Depression Support Through Telehealth

PsycheTel Australia provides secure telehealth psychiatric consultations across Australia.

The service connects patients with AHPRA registered consultant psychiatrists and works with GPs and existing healthcare teams where appropriate.

Telehealth may be suitable for people who find it difficult to attend appointments in person or who live away from major centres.

Whether telehealth is appropriate depends on your individual circumstances.

Learn More About Depression Support

You can read more about PsycheTel’s Depression service and the type of psychiatric care available.

You can also contact PsycheTel Australia if you have questions about an appointment.

A Wider Look at Mental Health

Depression does not always happen on its own.

Other concerns such as anxiety, ADHD, trauma or sleep difficulties may also affect a person’s mental health.

This does not mean that every person with Depression has another condition.

It simply means that a psychiatric assessment may need to consider the wider picture.

PsycheTel’s Depression service describes an assessment that considers history, relationships, work pressures, cultural background and the overall effect of Depression on a person’s life.