How common is it?
Depression is a very common. 1 in 10 Australians reported experiencing depression or feelings of depression in a National Health Survey (ABS). You can read more prevalence statistics here.
Are there different types of depression?
Yes, different types of depression (depressive disorders) are diagnosed depending on the symptoms and level of severity experienced.
- Major Depressive Disorder is the most diagnosed type of depression in Australia, ranging from mild to severe in intensity, it involves a constant feeling of sadness or lack of interest in usual activities, together with other behavioural, emotional, cognitive, and physical symptoms.
- Major Depressive Disorder with Melancholia is a form of depression where a person finds the loss of pleasure in in everything or almost everything and have many of the physical symptoms of depression.
- Persistent Depressive Disorder presents similar symptoms as Major Depressive Disorder but on a persistent basis and can present milder symptoms for a prolonged period.
- Perinatal Depression or postpartum depression affect mothers and fathers during pregnancy (antenatal period) or after the birth of a baby (postnatal period). This depression results from the general stress and challenges adjusting to the demands of parenting, which is commonly known as the “baby blues”.
