Mental Health | Depression Explained
Care Plan Library
Introduction
This page is part of the Care Plan Building Library used by GeneralPracticeTraining.com.au.
It is designed to support clinicians and practice teams in understanding, identifying, and managing depression in general practice.
Condition Overview
This snippet focuses on depression, a common and serious mental health condition that affects how people feel, think, and function in daily life.
Depression is more than feeling sad or low. It is a persistent condition that can affect physical health, relationships, work, and quality of life. Depression is treatable, and early support improves recovery.
Care Plan Snippet – Depression Management (Table Format)
Care Plan Details
Item: Mental health care
(May be incorporated into GP Chronic Condition Management Plan – Medicare item 965 where relevant)
Date: [Insert date]
Patient Details
Patient: [Patient name], [DOB], [Contact details]
GP Details
GP: [Doctor name], [Clinic name]
GP Management Plan – Problems / Goals / Treatments / Arrangements
| Area | Patient problem / risk | SMART goal | Key actions and advice | Arrangements and follow-up |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Depressive symptoms | Persistent low mood or loss of interest | Reduce symptoms within 3–6 months | Assess duration and severity. Provide education and reassurance. Normalise help-seeking. | GP review. Monitor progress. |
| Emotional distress | Negative thoughts and feelings | Improve emotional regulation | Identify unhelpful thinking patterns. Encourage supportive conversations. | Consider psychological therapy referral. |
| Functional impairment | Reduced work, study, or social functioning | Improve daily functioning | Address sleep, routine, activity levels, and stressors. | Regular follow-up. |
| Physical symptoms | Fatigue, pain, appetite or sleep changes | Improve physical wellbeing | Screen for medical contributors. Encourage gentle activity and sleep hygiene. | Review at follow-up. |
| Risk of self-harm | Safety concerns | Maintain patient safety | Assess suicide risk. Develop safety plan if required. | Urgent referral if risk identified. |
| Treatment needs | Moderate to severe depression | Achieve symptom control | Consider psychological therapy and/or medication. Discuss options and preferences. | Treatment review and adjustment. |
Depression Is Common
Depression affects around one million Australians each year.
About one in six women and one in eight men will experience depression at some point in their lives.
Effective treatments are available, and most people recover with the right support.
Symptoms of Depression
Depression affects feelings, thoughts, behaviour, and physical health.
Feelings may include:
- Sadness or misery
- Irritability
- Guilt or worthlessness
- Feeling overwhelmed or hopeless
Thoughts may include:
- “I’m a failure”
- “Nothing will ever change”
- “Life is not worth living”
Behavioural changes may include:
- Social withdrawal
- Loss of interest in usual activities
- Reduced work or study performance
- Increased alcohol or sedative use
Physical symptoms may include:
- Ongoing tiredness
- Sleep problems
- Appetite or weight changes
- Headaches or unexplained aches
Causes of Depression
Depression usually develops due to a combination of factors, rather than a single cause.
These may include:
- Family history and genetic vulnerability
- Personality traits such as perfectionism or low self-esteem
- Chronic medical illness or pain
- Alcohol or drug use
- Long-term stress or social isolation
- Major life events such as job loss, separation, or serious illness
Changes in brain chemistry and signalling are also involved.
Seek Support Early
Depression can go unrecognised and untreated for long periods.
Early support reduces the severity and duration of symptoms.
Untreated depression may lead to:
- Relationship and family difficulties
- Reduced ability to work or study
- Substance misuse
- Increased risk of self-harm or suicide
There is no single recovery pathway, but effective help is available.
Types of Depression
Major depression
The most common form. Can be mild, moderate, or severe.
Melancholia
A more severe form with marked physical symptoms and loss of pleasure.
Dysthymia (Persistent Depressive Disorder)
Long-term, lower-grade depression lasting two years or more.
Psychotic depression
Depression accompanied by hallucinations or delusions.
Antenatal and postnatal depression
Occurs during pregnancy or within the first year after birth.
Bipolar disorder
Includes episodes of depression and episodes of mania or hypomania. Requires different management.
Cyclothymic disorder
A milder, long-term form of bipolar disorder with fluctuating moods.
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
Depression with a seasonal pattern, most often in winter.
Recovery and Treatment
Recovery is possible with the right treatment and support.
Effective treatments may include:
- Psychological therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy
- Exposure and behavioural strategies
- Lifestyle and social support
- Medication when indicated
- Specialist treatments for severe or treatment-resistant depression
Treatment should be individualised and reviewed regularly.
Review and Follow-up
Regular review is important to:
- Monitor symptom improvement
- Adjust treatment
- Identify relapse early
- Support long-term recovery
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