But there’s a big difference between a mild or transient low mood and clinical depression — the term used to describe the diagnosable illness of depression.
Clinical depression is also known as major depression or major depressive disorder.
In reality, the experience of depression is different for different people, but it is a serious condition that can include feelings of sadness, numbness, emptiness or hopelessness. At its worst, severe depression can end in suicide.
While it can be triggered by a particular event like loss of a job or a loved one, it can also come on for no apparent reason.
If you or anyone you know needs help:
- Lifeline on 13 11 14
- Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636
- MensLine Australia on 1300 789 978
- Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467
- Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800
- Headspace on 1800 650 890
- QLife on 1800 184 527
- Relationships Australia on 1300 364 277
- ReachOut Australia
Many people don’t recognise the symptoms of depression, and so those affected often don’t get treatment for it.
Around one in 10 people globally will experience an episode of clinical depression at some point in their lifetime, with around twice as many females affected as males, according to the World Health Organisation.
In the last decade there has been a significant effort to boost public awareness of mood disorders — especially depression — and provide support for those affected by the illness.
Here you can find more information about:
- What is depression?
- The biology of depression
- The difference between grief and depression
- Getting the right diagnosis
- Treatment options
- How to get help
What causes depression?
Depression is usually caused or triggered by a number of factors working in combination, including genes, biology, psychology, personality and life events.
There is thought to be a genetic component to the risk of developing depression for many people with the condition.
If someone in your immediate family (parent or sibling) has been diagnosed with depression or bipolar disorder (manic depression), you are around two to three times more likely to have a similar diagnosis yourself compared with someone who has not had a parent or sibling with that diagnosis.
Certain medical conditions can also increase the likelihood of depression. For example, having an underactive thyroid gland can contribute to depression, and research shows that people who’ve had a heart attack, stroke, cancer or diabetes have higher than average rates of depression. Some prescription medications can increase the risk of depression.
External factors: Depression is also more likely if you are under stress or experience a stressful life event such as the death of a loved one, a relationship ending or losing a job. A history of abuse or childhood deprivation can also predispose people to depression.
Personal traits: People who are prone to worrying and feeling anxious, the extremely shy, those who engage in negative self-talk or people who are extremely sensitive are all more likely to experience depression. Often those with a tendency to set unrealistic goals and exhibit perfectionist characteristics are more likely to have an increased risk of depression, particularly in the face of work pressures or school-related stressors.
The good news is that with professional guidance and support (such as from a psychologist), many of these personal traits that increase a person’s risk of depression can be modified.
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