‘Depression’, which is often diagnosed as 'major depressive disorder', refers to feelings of sadness or a low mood that last longer than two weeks, and start to get in the way of your everyday life. Keep in mind that depression is a condition that can only be properly diagnosed by a health professional.
Source: ReachOut
Links and phone numbers throughout this site are live, tap to activate.
GENERAL INFO
Links and phone numbers throughout this site are live, tap to access.
Better Health: Depression Explained
Psychology Today: Depressive Disorders
Healthline: Depression-Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
BlackDog Institute: Understanding Depression
BlackDog Institute: Depression& other Fact sheets
ReachOut: Types of Depression
Info for 13-17 year-olds:
Kids Helpline: 13-17 years Feeling sad and depression
Raising Children: Depression: pre-teens and teenagers 9-18 years
Under 13:
Beyond Blue: Support options for Children 6-12 years
Raising Children: Depression: pre-teens and teenagers 9-18 years
SELF-HELP
Talk to your GP/doctor or contact Your Crew to
help you such as help you speak to your parents or get you to your doctor.
If you feel at immediate risk call 000
Call Kids Helpline 1800 551 800
Online Tools:
Black Dog Institute: Online Clinic will provide a report and suggested services (over 18 years)
ReachOut: Next Step will guide you through personalised support options (18-25 years)
UK NHS: Depression self-help guide note: this is a good tool for understanding mild to moderate symptoms. All numbers provided are in the UK and not accessible in Australia
Find a psychologist's tools and information HERE
About Support Services:
ReachOut: Support services for Depression and anxiety
Beyond Blue: Professional support and treatment Age 13+
Beyond Blue: About mental health professionals
By State:
Raising Children: Teens mental health: services, resources, contacts and links
FORUM, TOOLS & VIDEOS
Forums:
Note: These forums are operated by third parties. Please read and abide by the Host forum rules and guidelines. HRF does not take any responsibility for conversations or information provided by third-party websites.
Beyond Blue: Depression Forum
Beyond Blue: A space for young people 12-25 years
Mental Health Forum: Depression
Depression Forums: Depression chat-rooms
Videos:
Crewing for or Helping Others
Sometimes, it can be hard to know what to do to support someone. You may feel stressed or scared you'll say the wrong thing.
Remember your main role as Crew or a supportive friend or family is to listen, acknowledge and communicate support. That can mean calling a professional service such as Kids Helpline or, in an emergency, calling 000 They can also guide you on what to do.
See How to Ask If Your Friend Is OK video
If you are under 18 years old, you can also reach out to an adult or your Crew to help you support someone.
See Professional and Urgent Help for a list of services with live phone numbers and links
See Pathways to Help
Black Dog Institute: Positive psychology resources to support your teens mental health
MHFA: How do I know if someone is experiencing depression
Kids Helpline: Depression in kids and teens
Beyond Blue: What to look for 13+
Beyond Blue: Professional support and treatment Age 13+
Raising Children: Depression: pre-teens and teenagers 9-18 years
Guidelines for providing Mental Health First Aid to an Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Person:
AMHFA: Guidelines for helping an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person with depression
Research:
Australian Genetics of Depression Study website:
https://www.geneticsofdepression.org.au/about/
