Important: This article provides general Australian health information. It does not diagnose a condition, replace an individual assessment or change instructions from your doctor or treating team.
Depression is more than a difficult day
Everyone experiences sadness, stress or low energy at times. Depression is a health condition in which changes in mood, thinking, behaviour and physical wellbeing are more persistent and interfere with everyday life. The pattern can look different from person to person.
A clinician will consider how long symptoms have been present, how they affect function, current medicines, physical health, substance use, sleep and other possible explanations. A screening tool may help start a conversation, but it is not a diagnosis.
- Persistent low mood, hopelessness, emptiness or irritability
- Loss of interest or pleasure in usual activities
- Changes in sleep, appetite, energy, movement or concentration
- Withdrawing from people, routines, work or personal care
- Thoughts of death, self-harm or suicide, which require prompt support
Start with qualified assessment
A GP can assess symptoms, check for physical contributors and discuss suitable treatment. Treatment may include psychological therapy, medicine, practical changes and support for social or physical health needs. What is appropriate depends on the person and should be reviewed over time.
If making an appointment feels difficult, a trusted supporter can help the person prepare questions, arrange transport or record the clinician’s instructions with consent. The person should remain involved in decisions about their care.
The role of planned mental health nursing
Community mental health nursing can support an established plan; it does not replace a GP, psychologist, psychiatrist or crisis service. An accepted service may include medication support, agreed wellbeing observations, health education, routines and communication with the authorised care team.
Referrers should provide the current care plan, medication chart, safety or crisis plan, early warning signs, the person’s communication preferences and clear reporting instructions.
Responding when risk changes
Take any talk of suicide or self-harm seriously. Ask for urgent professional help and use the person’s crisis plan. Do not leave an immediate safety concern as a routine website enquiry or wait for the next scheduled support visit.
For non-urgent planned support, EmpowerLink assesses mental health nursing referrals across Greater Brisbane. Service acceptance depends on consent, clinical scope, risks, funding and current workforce capacity.
Sources
- Depression — symptoms, types and treatment — healthdirect Australia
- Mental health services and support — Queensland Government