- Depression, as an illness, is one of the most common serious disorders affecting about one in every 15 adults in Australia every year.
- Depression is a serious condition that causes many people to be disabled and others to commit suicide.
- If you think that a member of your family, or you yourself, may be depressed, you can ask your general practitioner for an assessment, which may include referral to a psychiatrist, or psychologist.
- When depression is moderate or severe, a person cannot will herself or himself better.
- Effective treatment includes antidepressant medications, cognitive behavioural therapy and interpersonal therapy. People can also help themselves with life style changes including stress reduction.
- Support for the families of people with depression can assist the depressed person as well.