In brief
One of the most common mental health conditions. It affects how you feel, think and behave, with symptoms lasting 2 weeks or more. Help works best when it starts early.
- Your GP is a good place to start, according to healthdirect.
- If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call triple zero (000). To talk to someone now, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
- Having a family member with depression does not mean you will develop it yourself.
How it works
Symptoms include feeling sad, teary or overwhelmed most of the time, losing interest in activities you once enjoyed, difficulty sleeping or feeling tired during the day, changes in appetite and weight, feeling run down, and losing interest in sex.
Causes include ongoing stress or life events such as losing a job, family history, medical conditions that affect how the brain regulates mood, and drug and alcohol use. Complex chemical changes occur in the body, particularly in the brain. Treatments include talking therapies such as CBT, medicines, and lifestyle changes such as reducing substance use, improving sleep and exercising.
Looking after it
If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts and is in immediate danger, call triple zero (000). To talk to someone now, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.
Connections
11 connections on the map. Select a topic to read its page.
Depression can cause
Depression and anxiety are among the conditions that can cause brain fog, according to healthdirect.
Feeling run down or tired during the day can be a symptom of depression.
Difficulty sleeping is a symptom of depression.
Losing interest in sex (reduced libido) is a symptom of depression.
Depression is linked with
People with major depression have low mood on most days for at least 2 weeks.
Anxiety and depression are listed as possible complications of COPD.
Source: healthdirect Australia, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Psoriasis Supported
Psoriasis can affect your wellbeing, and some people develop low mood or emotional stress, including depression.
Depression can be raised by
- Overweight and obesity Supported
Depression is one of the complications linked to living with overweight or obesity.
Source: healthdirect Australia, Obesity
- Sitting time Supported
The risk of both anxiety and depression is higher in people who sit more.
Source: Better Health Channel (Victorian Government), The dangers of sitting
- Loneliness and isolation Supported
Loneliness and isolation can increase the chance of depression and anxiety.
Depression can raise
- Dementia Supported
Depression is one of the factors that raise the risk of dementia.
Source: Better Health Channel (Victorian Government), Dementia: reducing your risk
Medicines and supplements
General education only. Never start, stop or change a medicine without your prescriber.
Sources
Each connection above names its own source. See every source AskBioMap uses.
Summarised from healthdirect and Lifeline. Sources read on 12 and 16 October 2026. General education only, not medical advice. Spotted a mistake? Please tell us through the HuBu-Intel contact page.