We have partnered with headspace to bring you the best factsheet information we can on this topic. headspace is Australia’s National Youth Mental Health Foundation. headspace provides health advice, support and information for young people aged 12-25.

Depression is common. Among young Australians aged 12-25 years, depression is the most common mental health problem (1). Around 1 in 4 young people will have had a depressive disorder by the end of their adolescence (2). It’s important that you get support if you think you might be depressed. The consequences of untreated depression can often be quite serious and can include under-performing at school and/or work, losing friends and family supports, substance abuse and risk of suicide.

what are normal feelings and what’s depression?

We all feel down or sad from time to time - it’s part of being human. Sadness is a reaction to something in particular, like a relationship break-up. Depression means that feelings of sadness last longer than normal, affect most parts of your life, and stop you enjoying the things that you used to.

types of depression

major depression

Major depression is the mood disorder people are most familiar with. Major depression usually happens in episodes. A depressive episode tends to build up slowly over a couple of weeks or more.

Young people often experience depression in the same way adults do with the exception that they may have more mood swings or be more irritable and sensitive than usual. This can make major depression difficult to diagnose, being mistaken for normal adolescent moods.

The typical symptoms of major depression in a young person include:

• Higher body temperature
• Feelings of unhappiness, moodiness and irritability, and sometimes emptiness or numbness
• Losing interest and pleasure in activities that you once enjoyed
• Loss of appetite and weight (but sometimes people ‘comfort eat’ and put on weight)
• Either trouble sleeping, or over-sleeping and staying in bed most of the day
• Tiredness, lack of energy and motivation
• Feeling worried or tense
• Difficulty concentrating and making decisions
• Feeling bad, worthless or guilty
• Being self-critical and self-blaming
• Having dark and gloomy thoughts, including thoughts of death or suicide.

If you are feeling depressed, it is important to talk to someone that you trust and get support.

dysthymia

Dysthymia is a milder type of depression but it is often continuous and can last for months or years. People with dysthymia might still be able to perform their day-to-day tasks, but with less interest, confidence and enjoyment. Dysthymia also interferes with sleep, appetite, energy and concentration.

Compared to major depression, dysthymia has fewer physical symptoms but can have more emotional symptoms such as gloomy and dark thoughts. Dysthymia, like major depression still requires support, counselling and sometimes medication.

bipolar disorder

Depression can also occur as part of bipolar disorder. Check out our section on bipolar disorder for more information.

other problems

Sometimes young people with a depressive disorder may have other mental or physical health problems. For instance, some people with depression may also suffer from anxiety problems (i.e. excessive worry), or have a drug use problem (cigarettes/alcohol/illegal drugs).

depression and suicide

Suicidal thoughts are common amongst young people with depression, so those who appear to be at risk of self-harm or suicide need immediate assistance. Serious concerns should lead to getting the support of close, trusted friends or family, removing all available things that can be used to suicide (e.g. tablets, firearms) and a thorough mental health assessment by a trained professional.

You can call your local hospital or local mental health service for support. There are 24-hour mental health teams that can respond to people who are suicidal at any time of the day. Check out our section on suicide for further information.

getting help for depression

It’s important to talk about your problems. Seek help and talk to someone you trust such as a parent, teacher or school counsellor, family member or friend. Your local doctor or GP is usually very experienced in knowing what is and isn’t depression, so seek help from them.

Most people recover from depression after seeking professional help. Counselling has proven effective in the treatment of depression, especially Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT). CBT is based on the idea that feelings/emotions and thoughts are related and it explores how thinking patterns can affect our emotions, such as fear, in a negative and positive way. For some young people with severe depression that doesn’t improve with counselling or CBT, medication might also be an option. Check out our section on Managing Depression for further information.

Eating healthily and exercising can not only keep you fit but can also help your mood. Practicing relaxation, writing your feelings down, reducing stress and avoiding alcohol and other drugs can also help, but remember, some days may be good and other days not as good. Overcoming depression can take time.

For more information on how to get help, check out headspace's getting help section. Also check out the fantastic blog series called managing my depression written by our Youth Content Producer Bethwyn.

References

(1) Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Young Australians: their health and wellbeing, Canberra, 2007

(2). Oakley Browne M, Wells J, Scott K, McGee M (2006). Lifetime prevalence and projected lifetime risk of DSM-IV disorders in Te Rau Hinengaro: the New Zealand Mental health Survey (NZMHS). Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry; 40: 865-874.

This information was produced by headspace in conjunction with ORYGEN Youth Health.