Am I Depressed? Recognising the Signs You Shouldn't Ignore
- Prue Longstaff, Psychotherapist
- 5 days ago
- 6 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
Depression is a mental health condition that affects millions of people around the world, yet many people still struggle to understand what it truly involves. If you're unsure about what depression is or find yourself questioning whether you might be experiencing it, you're not alone. Recognising the signs and symptoms is a crucial first step in getting the support you need.
In this article, we’ll explain what depression is, explore some of the common reasons people experience it, and address the important question many people ask: does depression go away? Our goal is to provide clarity, reduce stigma, and help you feel more confident about seeking help if you need it.
What Is Depression?
At its core, depression is more than just feeling sad or down for a few days. It's a persistent and overwhelming sense of gloom, hopelessness, or emptiness that interferes with daily life. According to mental health experts, depression can affect your thoughts, feelings, behaviour, and physical health.
People living with depression often experience symptoms such as:
Persistent feelings of sadness or emptiness
Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed
Fatigue and low energy levels
Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
Changes in appetite or sleep patterns
Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
These symptoms typically last for at least two weeks and can vary in severity. Recognising these signs is crucial because many people mistake depression for normal stress or fatigue, wondering How do I know if I'm depressed? when symptoms have actually been present for a long time.
In Australia, depression affects approximately 1 in 7 people at some point in their lives, and it's one of the leading causes of disability. Among children and adolescents, depression is a growing concern, with 1 in 20 young Australians aged 4–17 experiencing a depressive disorder each year.
Why Do People Get Depression?
Understanding why depression happens is a crucial step in breaking down stigma and encouraging people to seek help. Depression isn’t caused by a single factor—it usually results from a complex mix of biological, psychological, environmental, and medical influences. By recognising these contributing factors, we can better understand our own experiences or support those we care about.
Biological Factors of Depression
Depression often has a biological component. Brain chemistry plays a key role—specifically, imbalances in neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, which affect mood and motivation. Low dopamine levels can lead to mood issues, fatigue, and lack of motivation, contributing to depression.
Neurotransmitter testing offers insight into how levels of serotonin, dopamine, and other key chemicals may be impacting your mental health. This type of testing can help guide more targeted and personalised treatment approaches.
If you're interested in exploring whether neurotransmitter imbalances could be contributing to how you feel, Carrun Squires, Naturopath (online or Mansfield, VIC) offers specialised support and testing options to help you better understand your brain-body connection and move toward emotional wellbeing.
Hormonal shifts (such as those occurring during puberty, after childbirth, or due to thyroid issues) can also contribute. Genetics can increase vulnerability too. If a close family member has experienced depression, your risk may be higher. However, having a genetic predisposition doesn’t guarantee you’ll develop depression—environment and coping skills also matter.
Psychological Factors of Depression
Our internal world—how we think and feel—greatly affects mental health. People who have experienced early life adversity, trauma, neglect, or persistent stress may be more prone to depression. Unhelpful thinking patterns, such as chronic self-criticism, perfectionism, or rumination (overthinking), can deepen emotional distress.
Those with low self-esteem or a history of anxiety may also be more susceptible. Depression can also develop when people struggle to manage emotions, leading to a sense of hopelessness or overwhelm.
Environmental and Life Circumstances of Depression
Challenging life events often act as triggers. These might include the death of a loved one, job loss, relationship breakdowns, or ongoing financial pressures. Feeling isolated or unsupported during tough times can intensify emotional struggles.
Even positive life changes—like moving house, starting university, or becoming a parent—can be stressful and sometimes lead to depressive symptoms, especially if they come with high expectations or a loss of previous identity or routine.
Medical and Physical Health Factors of Depression
Physical health and mental health are deeply connected. Chronic illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, autoimmune conditions, or chronic pain can increase the likelihood of developing depression. Living with a long-term health condition can be emotionally exhausting, and in some cases, inflammation or changes in the body may directly affect brain function and mood.
Additionally, certain medications—like some used for blood pressure, hormonal regulation, or even sleep—can influence mood as a side effect.
Recognising that depression is often the result of multiple, overlapping factors helps reduce shame and blame. It’s not a weakness, and it’s not your fault.
If you or someone you care about is experiencing symptoms of depression, know that help is available—and recovery is possible.
How Do I Know If I'm Depressed?
If you're asking yourself, how do I know if I'm depressed? the best place to start is by reflecting on your symptoms and feelings over time. It's common to experience ups and downs, but if negative feelings persist, it might indicate depression.
Consider the following questions:
Do you feel sad, empty, or hopeless most of the day, nearly every day?
Have you lost interest in activities you used to enjoy?
Are you struggling with energy, motivation, or concentration?
Have you made noticeable changes in sleeping or eating habits?
Are these feelings affecting your work, relationships, or day-to-day activities?
If you answered yes to several of these questions, it may be time to reach out for support. Our team offers compassionate, professional guidance to help you better understand what you're going through—contact us to book an initial consultation or ask any questions.
Will Depression Go Away?
One of the most common worries is, will depression go away? The short answer is, it depends. For some, depression may resolve on its own, especially if it’s related to a particular stressful event that passes. For others, depression can be a long-term condition that requires treatment.
The good news is that depression is treatable. Evidence-based approaches include:
Therapy – Talking therapies like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can help change negative thinking patterns.
Lifestyle Changes – Regular exercise, balanced diet, good sleep hygiene, and social support can make a big difference.
Support Networks – Engaging with friends, family, or support groups can provide emotional relief.
It's important to remember that recovery is a process and may take time. Seeking help early improves your chances of managing symptoms and regaining a fulfilling life.
Final Thoughts
Understanding what depression is and recognising the signs can empower you to take the first steps toward feeling better. Depression is a common and serious condition influenced by a range of factors, and exploring why people experience it can help reduce stigma and foster greater empathy.
If you or someone you care about is experiencing ongoing symptoms of depression, it’s important to know that support is available. It's normal to wonder whether depression will go away, but the most important step is reaching out for help. With the right support and treatment, many people recover and go on to lead fulfilling, healthy lives.
You don’t have to go through it alone—Better You HQ Therapy and Counselling are here to help you understand and manage depression in a way that’s right for you. Recovery is not only possible, but achievable with the right guidance.
About Prue and Better You HQ Therapy and Counselling Clinic
Prue is an ACA registered and qualified child and family counsellor and psychotherapist with a passion for helping children and parents navigate emotional challenges. As the founder of Better You HQ Therapy and Counselling Clinic, she specialises in supporting neurodivergent children, anxiety, emotional regulation, and social-emotional development. With experience in education and a deep understanding of childhood mental health, Prue offers evidence-based, compassionate support to families.
Better You HQ provides in-person counselling in Mansfield, Victoria, and online services Australia-wide, including assessments, emotion coaching, and parent support. Prue believes that emotional skills can be taught and that every child deserves a roadmap to thrive.
