Signs and symptoms of depression

Depression affects different people in many different ways. It can be a numbness or emptiness where you don’t feel happy, sad or angry.

Sometimes depression can feel like irritation or frustration. Small issues suddenly feel big.

Sometimes you might lose enjoyment in things that would normally make you happy. You might feel like there’s nothing to look forward to.

How does depression feel?

If any of these examples feel familiar, or if you just don’t feel okay, it’s worth talking to someone. Depression is treatable with the right support.

If you or someone close to you has been diagnosed with depression the signs and symptoms listed on this page may be part of the condition.

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Behaviour

Depression can look like:

not going out anymore
not getting things done at work or school
withdrawing from close family and friends
relying on alcohol and sedatives
not doing usual enjoyable activities
unable to concentrate

Feelings

Depression can make you feel:

overwhelmed or indecisive
guilty
irritable or frustrated
lacking in confidence
unhappy or disappointed
miserable or sad

"I had all the symptoms. I was getting angry and disassociated from my work. I didn’t want to do the work, I was desperate for a rest."

Read Geoff’s experience of work stress and depression

Thoughts

When you have depression you might think:

'I’m a failure.'
'It’s my fault.'
'Nothing good ever happens to me.'
'I’m worthless.'
'Life’s not worth living.'
'People would be better off without me.'

Physical Symptoms

Physical symptoms of depression can include:

feeling tired all the time
feeling sick and run down
headaches and muscle pains
stomach pain, butterflies or churning gut
sleep problems
loss or change of appetite
significant weight loss or gain

"My depression made me want to sleep all the time."

Read Emily’s story of depression, anxiety and ultimately, hope

Do i have depression?

It can be hard to know whether you’re feeling depressed or have depression.

Our anonymous Anxiety and Depression Test (K10) can help you understand whether your anxious feelings are the kind of worries that will go away on their own, or whether it’s time to get more support to help you feel better.

It’s an evidence-based test that asks 10 questions about how you've been feeling over the past 4 weeks. Australian doctors and mental health professionals use this test, known as the K10. They sometimes ask you to take the K10 and talk about it with you.

Start the K10 test

Finding mental health support

Your GP can be a good place to start the conversation about your mental health.

We can also help you find other support that’s right for you. This could include talking to our counsellors or helping you find a mental health professional near you.

Get mental health support

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Connect with our online peer support community

Anonymously read, share and learn from people who are also living with anxiety.

The Beyond Blue Forums is a welcoming peer support community.

Visit the Beyond Blue Forum depression discussions

Supporting someone else

If you’re worried about someone close to you, there are things you can do to support them.

Related information

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