Being depressed is more than feeling down for a day or two – it usually continues for weeks or months at a time.Depression can range from being a mild illness, to a severe one – where you can lose interest in life and the things you used to enjoy.

Triggers of depression

Often depression is triggered by a difficult situation or stressful changes in your life. It can build up over many years. 

Signs of depression

Some of the signs of depression are:

• feeling tired all the time

• getting too much sleep or not enough

• feeling worthless and helpless

• thinking about death a lot

• having no energy and feelings of low self-esteem

• loss of appetite or overeating

• sadness or emotional ‘numbness’

• loss of pleasure in everyday activities

• irritability or anxiety

• poor concentration

• feeling guilty, or crying for no apparent reason.

Managing your depression

There are things you can do yourself to help manage your depression. Here are a few ideas:

• do regular exercise

• get good quality sleep

• understand what triggers depression for you (eg, lack of sleep, too much stress)

• join a support group

• eat healthily

• reduce stress

• learn relaxation techniques.

Getting help

Getting help is an important part of managing depression. Talk to someone:

• a friend or a family member

• your GP, who can advise on the best treatment options for you

Get in touch with counselling services:

• a school guidance counsellor

• Kiwi and other Māori health counselling services

• alcohol and drug services

• family support services.

Taking medicines for mood?

Taking medicines for epilepsy, mood or pain (PDF, 305 KB) contains important information for women who are:

• near childbearing age and sexually active

• thinking of getting pregnant or are pregnant.

• taking medicines for epilepsy, pain, or mood regulation.

If you have any questions about this or your medication you should discuss this with your health provider. It is important that you keep taking your medication and that you talk to you doctor about any changes that will be right for you.