What Depression Is, What It Feels Like, and How to Overcome It

Depression is a psychiatric disorder that causes persistent sadness, loss of interest, and changes in thinking, energy, and functioning — and it is treatable with the right support.

TL;DR

  • Depression is more than sadness — it's a diagnosable psychiatric disorder affecting mood, motivation, sleep, and physical health.

  • Signs of depression include fatigue, low mood, hopelessness, poor sleep or appetite, and lack of pleasure.

  • Causes of depression are complex and include biological, psychological, and social factors.

  • You can support someone with depression by listening, validating, and encouraging professional help.

  • Depression is highly treatable through therapy, medication, and lifestyle support — recovery is possible.

What Depression Is

Depression is a mental health condition that affects how a person feels, thinks, and behaves. It is officially classified as a psychiatric disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).

It's different from temporary sadness. Depression lingers for weeks or months and often doesn't improve without support. According to Beyond Blue, 1 in 7 Australians will experience depression at some point in their lives[^1].

What Are Signs of Depression?

Depression affects each person differently, but common signs include:

  • Feeling sad, empty, or numb most of the day

  • Losing interest in things you used to enjoy

  • Fatigue or lack of energy

  • Changes in sleep (insomnia or sleeping too much)

  • Changes in appetite or weight

  • Feelings of worthlessness, guilt, or hopelessness

  • Difficulty concentrating

  • Thoughts of death or suicide

If you've been experiencing several of these symptoms for more than two weeks, it may be time to talk to a professional.

What Does Depression Feel Like?

Many people describe depression as:

  • "Wearing an emotional weight vest"

  • "Being in a fog or watching life through glass"

  • "Having no motivation, even for the things I love"

  • "Feeling like I'm a burden or just... not enough"

  • "Like every activity is trudging through mud"

It's often invisible to others — which can make it feel lonely and people often feel like no one understands.

What Are the Causes of Depression?

There is no single cause of depression. There is some evidence to suggest it can arise from one or more of the following:

  • Genetics or family history of mental health conditions

  • Brain chemistry imbalances (e.g. serotonin, dopamine)

  • Hormonal shifts (e.g. postnatal, perimenopause, thyroid)

  • Life events, like trauma, grief, illness, or job loss

  • Chronic stress or burnout

  • Negative thinking patterns or low self-esteem

  • Isolation or lack of social connection

  • Poor relationships

  • Poor lifestyle choices

Understanding what contributes to your depression can help shape your recovery plan.

How to Know If You Have Depression

If you're asking yourself "Do I have depression?", you're not alone. While online depression tests can be useful tools, they're not a diagnosis.

  • You may have depression if:

  • You feel low or disconnected most days

  • You've lost motivation or joy

  • You're finding it hard to cope at work, home, or socially

  • You're withdrawing from people and activities

  • You're struggling to make decisions or concentrate

  • Things that used to be easy feel overwhelming

The best way to know for sure is to speak with a registered psychologist or GP, who can help assess your mental health and guide next steps.

What Is Postnatal Depression?

Postnatal depression is a form of depression that affects people after the birth of a baby. It differs from the "baby blues" in duration and severity.

Signs include:

  • Feeling emotionally flat or disconnected from your baby

  • Crying frequently or feeling overwhelmed

  • Difficulty sleeping or eating

  • Withdrawing from loved ones

  • Feeling guilt, shame, or inadequacy as a parent

It affects up to 1 in 7 women and can also affect non-birthing parents[^2].

Help is available, and treatment is effective.

How to Help Someone With Depression

Supporting someone with depression can feel challenging — but your presence matters.

What you can do:

  • Listen without trying to fix

  • Validate their feelings, even if you don't understand

  • Offer gentle encouragement to seek professional help

  • Check in regularly, even if they don't always reply

  • Don't take withdrawal personally — it's part of the illness

You can also suggest resources like Beyond Blue, Black Dog Institute, or offer to help book a GP appointment.

How Is Depression Treated?

Depression is highly treatable, and most people recover fully with support.

Evidence-based treatments include:

  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): Identifying and shifting unhelpful thoughts

  • ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) and Mindfulness Therapies: Building psychological flexibility and present-moment awareness

  • Medication (e.g. SSRIs): Often prescribed by a GP or psychiatrist

  • Lifestyle interventions: Exercise, sleep, nutrition, and social support

  • EMDR or trauma-focused therapy if trauma is a root cause

The best treatment plan is personalised and may combine several of the above.


How to Deal With and Overcome Depression

  • If you're experiencing depression, here are some gentle, practical strategies:

  • Talk to someone: A friend, GP, or psychologist

  • Break tasks down: Focus on one small thing at a time

  • Move your body, even if it's a short walk

  • Create structure: Routines help ground you

  • Reduce alcohol and other numbing behaviours or avoidance

  • Remember: Depression lies — you are not weak, you CAN do things even if you don't feel like it, and you're not alone

How Long Can Depression Last?

Without treatment, depression can last months or even years. But with professional support, symptoms can improve in weeks to months.

Some people have a single episode, while others may experience recurrent depression with periods of wellness in between.

Seeking help early improves long-term outcomes.

Support for Depression in Sydney

Equilibrium Psychology offers professional, compassionate care for depression at our Sydney CBD clinic, just 3 minutes from Wynyard Station.

We support clients across Ultimo, Surry Hills, Pyrmont, Barangaroo and beyond from our clinic, and offer telehealth sessions Australia-wide.

Why Choose Equilibrium Psychology?

Founded by Clinical Psychologist Gemma Cribb almost 20 years ago, our experienced team of over 20 AHPRA registered Clinical Psychologists (and Angel the Therapy Dog!) offer practical help in treating depression, anxiety, relationship challenges, and more.

We offer:

  • CBT, ACT, EMDR, and trauma-informed therapy

  • Medicare rebates with a GP referral

  • Inclusive, non-judgemental care

  • After-hours and online sessions available

  • No waitlists

  • Telehealth appointments available Australia wide.

Next Steps

You are not broken. You are not alone. You are treatable.

👉 Enquire about being matched with one of our experienced psychologists online, or

📞 Call our friendly team on (02) 9262 6156 to find the right psychologist for you.


*Last updated: July 2025*

NEED URGENT SUPPORT?

If you're feeling overwhelmed or need immediate help, please contact:

- Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636

- Lifeline: 13 11 14

- In an emergency, call 000

These services are available 24/7 and can provide immediate support.

Last updated: July 2025

References

[^1]: Beyond Blue. Depression. https://www.beyondblue.org.au

[^2]: Centre of Perinatal Excellence (COPE). Postnatal Depression. https://www.cope.org.au

Gemille Cribb