Overview of Depression
Depression is a serious and common mental health condition that does not usually go away on its own. With the right treatment, however, most people can recover from depression and anxiety and live a healthy life.
In men, 1 in 8 will experience depression and 1 in 5 will face anxiety at some point in their lives.
Unfortunately, many men hesitate to talk about their feelings, so their depression often goes unnoticed and untreated.
Untreated depression increases the risk of suicide. Each year, around 3,000 Australians die by suicide — about 75% of them are men, which means roughly seven men die by suicide every day.
What Is Depression?
Depression is a mental health disorder that affects how you feel, think, and act. It causes ongoing sadness and a loss of interest in daily activities.
It’s more than just feeling sad for a few days — it’s a long-term problem that can interfere with work, relationships, and overall health.
Common Symptoms of Depression
You may have depression if you notice several of the following symptoms lasting for two weeks or more:
- Feeling sad, hopeless, or empty
- Losing interest in things you used to enjoy
- Trouble focusing or making decisions
- Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
- Feeling tired or lacking energy
- Feeling worthless or guilty
- Moving or speaking more slowly than usual, or feeling restless
- Thinking about death or suicide
Depression can also run in families. If a close family member (parent, child, or sibling) has had depression, your risk may be higher — about 40% of depression cases are linked to genetics.
How Is Depression Treated?
Treatment depends on the type and severity of depression. Some people respond well to medicine, others to therapy, and many do best with a combination of both, along with healthy habits like exercise, yoga, and a balanced diet.
Sometimes, doctors may run blood tests to rule out physical problems (like thyroid issues or vitamin deficiencies) that can cause depression-like symptoms.
It may take time to find what works best for you — everyone’s treatment plan is different. What helps one person might not work for another, and that’s completely normal.
The key is to stay in regular contact with your doctor or therapist, and to communicate openly about how you feel during treatment.
Types of Treatment for Depression
1. Medication
Depression can be caused by chemical imbalances in the brain. Antidepressants help correct these imbalances.
They are not sedatives or addictive drugs, and they usually take 2 to 3 weeks to start working fully.
Most doctors recommend continuing medication for at least six months after you feel better to prevent relapse.
Some common types include:
- SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) – improve mood by increasing serotonin
- SNRIs (Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors) – help with both mood and energy
- Tricyclic antidepressants – used when newer drugs don’t work
Always take antidepressants under a doctor’s supervision, as stopping them suddenly can cause side effects.
2. Therapy (Psychotherapy)
Talking with a therapist or counselor can help you understand your feelings and develop better coping skills.
Common therapies include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps you change negative thoughts and behaviors.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Focuses on emotional regulation and mindfulness.
- Interpersonal Therapy: Improves communication and relationships.
Therapy can be done:
- Individually (one-on-one)
- With your partner or family
- In group sessions with others who have similar experiences
Support groups can also be very helpful because they remind you that you’re not alone.
For severe depression, other treatments like Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), ketamine therapy, or Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) may be recommended by doctors.
Symptoms of Anxiety (Often Linked With Depression)
Depression and anxiety often occur together. Anxiety causes ongoing worry, fear, or nervousness that affects daily life.
Physical Symptoms:
- Rapid or pounding heartbeat
- Sweating
- Muscle tension
- Restlessness
- Dizziness
- Trouble breathing
- Trouble sleeping (insomnia)
- Panic attacks
Mental Symptoms:
- Constant worrying
- Fear of bad things happening
- Difficulty concentrating
- Irritability
- Feeling out of control
- Avoiding stressful situations
Side Effects of Anti-Anxiety Medicines
Most side effects are mild and fade as your body adjusts. They may include:
- Drowsiness or dizziness
- Feeling sleepy during the day
- Balance problems
At higher doses, rare side effects may include:
- Confusion
- Trouble breathing
- Agitation or hallucinations
If taken for sleep, these medicines can sometimes cause “morning hangover” effects — feeling tired or groggy the next day.
Always follow your doctor’s advice and dosage instructions.
Ways to Relieve Depression Naturally
1. Exercise Regularly
Exercise boosts natural “feel-good” chemicals in the brain called endorphins.
Running, walking, swimming, or cycling can all help improve mood and reduce stress.
2. Strength Training
Research shows that lifting weights can lower the risk of depression and improve self-esteem.
3. Yoga
Yoga combines breathing, stretching, and mindfulness. It helps reduce negative thoughts, increase flexibility, and improve relaxation.
4. Tai Chi
This gentle, slow-moving exercise helps reduce stress and improve mood. It also encourages social connection when done in groups.
5. Walking Outdoors
Even short walks can lift your mood. Start with 5–10 minutes a day and gradually increase.
Being in nature and sunlight helps your body produce vitamin D, which improves mood.
6. Spend Time in Nature
Simple outdoor activities — like gardening, playing with your kids, or washing your car — can help you feel more connected and reduce stress.
How Is Depression Diagnosed?
Doctors may perform:
- A physical exam
- Blood tests (to rule out thyroid or vitamin issues)
- A psychological evaluation (to discuss symptoms and emotions)
If physical causes are ruled out, a mental health specialist will help create a treatment plan that may include therapy, medication, or both.
Conclusion
Sadness and depression may feel similar, but they are not the same.
Sadness is a temporary emotion that fades with time, while depression is a lasting condition that affects your entire life.
If you’ve felt sad, hopeless, or disinterested in life for more than two weeks, it may be depression — and it’s important to seek help.
Depression is treatable, and with the right combination of therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes, you can recover and lead a happier, more fulfilling life.