Sadness and depression
Am I sad or depressed?
Depression is probably a word you have heard of a lot. It is often used to describe feelings of extreme sadness, hopelessness or loss.
It's really helpful to remember that not everyone experiences life and all of its ups and downs in the same way. Something that might make one person feel very sad for a few weeks may make another person feel sad for a few months or even longer.
Young people can be affected by sadness for lots of reasons, from not winning at sports to losing a friend in an accident.
It’s normal to feel sad when sad things happen to you or around you. But the following symptoms, continuing over time, may indicate that what you’re experiencing is more than normal sadness:
- feeling anxious and/or empty inside
- having difficulty with sleep or having difficulty staying awake
- not feeling like eating
- not feeling like showering or washing
- feeling irritable or annoyed by the things people do and say
- finding things that you used to like, boring or pointless
- having thoughts of wanting to hurt yourself and/or wanting to die.
These are all things that a professional can help you with, and would want to know more about when you contact them. If you have a number of the above symptoms, it’s really important to talk with someone and get help. Depression is an illness and won't just go away without help and support.
More information on types of depression is available from:
Depression and anxiety quiz
Complete an online health check to get a better idea if you or someone you know has symptoms of depression.
Time: 5 mins
MoodGYM
The MoodGYM training program helps you to overcome negative emotions and improve your coping skills.
Time: 15 mins
Getting help
Whether your feelings are sadness or have the intensity of depression, remember it's a very personal experience. There are lots of services and individuals that can help you to understand what you are feeling and teach you ways of coping. Speaking to a professional can help you work out the kind of support or treatment that is going to help with what you are going through.
Some places to get help are:
- Kids Helpline
- a doctor or psychiatrist
- your school counsellor/ university counsellor
- a private counsellor or psychologist
- a community health nurse
If you are feeling depressed or are concerned about someone you know who seems depressed, you can phone Kids Helpline 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 1800 55 1800 or use their web counselling or email counselling services.
