Sadness and depression
For some young people, feelings of sadness and unhappiness outweigh their happy and excited emotions. When you have depression, these sad feelings become overwhelming and long-lasting, affecting how you think, how you feel and what you do. These feelings can last for weeks, months or even longer.
- What is depression?
- How common is it?
- Signs of depression
- Types of depression
- Treatments for depression
- What you can do to start feeling better
- Where to get support
- Find out more
What is depression?
Depression is more than just feeling upset or sad—it is a serious condition which makes coping with day-to-day life hard and leaves you feeling down most of the time.
You might feel irritable, sad and stressed most of the time. Or you might get more angry than usual. You may feel restless, and unable to relax or stop thinking about what is on your mind. Other feelings that you might experience include feeling guilty, worthless, frustrated, unhappy, indecisive, disappointed and miserable.
Read more about anxiety and depression.
How common is it?
Depression is the most common mental health problem for young people. One in four young people aged 16–24 experience and live with depression each year. So chances are you will know someone who has depression.
Girls are more likely than boys to get depression, but boys often find it harder to talk about their feelings and get help.
Signs of depression
Depression can affect how you feel about yourself and others. Symptoms can be physical, mental or emotional. Find out more.
Types of depression
There are different types of depressive conditions, with symptoms ranging from relatively mild through to severe. Find out more.
Treatments for depression
With the right treatment and support you can recover from depression. There are a range of things you can do, both practically and psychologically, to help improve your mental health and wellbeing. Find out more.
What you can do to start feeling better
With the right treatment and support, you can recover from depression. There are a range of things that you can do, both practically and psychologically, to help improve your mental health and wellbeing.
The recovery process can be different for everyone and it is all about finding what works best for you but you don't have to work it out alone. With the help of friends, family and perhaps a health professional, you will be able to find the support you need.
Start doing something about it.
Where to get support
Sometimes you need more than the help of your friends and family. Anxiety and depression are medical conditions and so treatment from a health professional is sometimes necessary. There are a range of health professionals available to support you while you recover from anxiety and depression.
Support groups, websites and helplines can also be a great help.
- beyondblue Support Service
Talk – 1300 22 4636
Chat
Email - Kids Helpline
Talk – 1800 55 1800
Chat
Email - Lifeline
Talk – 13 11 14
Chat