Depression

Depression

Depression is a common problem, so if you are depressed you are not alone. About 1 in 25 Australians meet the criteria for depression each year.

Find out more about what depression is, how it is diagnosed, the treatment options and the lifestyle changes you can make to help yourself.

If you feel life is not worth living, you need to get help immediately by talking to your doctor, calling a friend or family member, or calling a helpline.

For health professionals  

Depression is among the chronic problems most frequently seen by Australian general practitioners.

The NPS program Depression — challenges in primary care covers current guidance for health professionals on managing depression, including:

  • how to establish a diagnosis and assess severity of depression, to guide treatment
  • when to prescribe an antidepressant
  • which antidepressant to choose and how long to treat
  • when non-drug treatment options are first-line therapy or complementary to pharmacotherapy.