Depression Symptoms in Australia: How to Recognise Them, When to See a GP

A GP is the right starting point for depression care in Australia. In a single consultation, a clinician can:

• Take a structured history covering mood, sleep, energy, appetite, life circumstances, and any prior mental health.
• Assess severity using validated tools such as the PHQ-9.
• Conduct a safety assessment that includes asking directly about self-harm and suicidal thoughts.
• Examine for physical contributors and arrange blood tests where indicated, such as thyroid function, iron, vitamin D, and vitamin B12.
• Discuss evidence-based options: psychological therapy, lifestyle and behavioural strategies, medication where clinically appropriate.
• Prepare a Mental Health Treatment Plan, which entitles eligible patients to Medicare-rebated psychology sessions.
• Refer to a psychologist, psychiatrist, or other specialist when the situation calls for it.
• Discuss workplace and study accommodations including medical certificates where appropriate.
• Arrange follow-up to review progress.

The Mental Health Treatment Plan is one of the most important tools available in Australian primary care. It opens access to subsidised psychology sessions per calendar year, which substantially reduces the cost of structured therapy.

This article does not name specific medications. The decision about whether and what medication is appropriate depends on your full clinical picture and is a conversation for you and your clinician.

Abby Health is one of Australia's largest online-first clinics. Mental health consultations are among the most common reasons patients reach us.

Our care network includes more than 300 clinicians available seven days a week. All Abby Health practitioners hold current AHPRA registration. Consultations are bulk billed for eligible patients with a valid Medicare card. Strict eligibility criteria apply.

Two things matter most for depression care: privacy and continuity.

Privacy: many patients find that an online consultation from home is less daunting than walking into a clinic, particularly for a first conversation about mental health.

Continuity: Seventy-one per cent of our patients who rebook see the same doctor again, which is the right model for mental health where context across appointments matters. The next consultation does not start from scratch.

Abby AI, our medical AI, prepares a clinical brief before every consultation. It surfaces relevant history, medications, and previous notes. It never diagnoses, never prescribes, and never replaces clinician judgment. It does mean your clinician starts the conversation with context.

If your mood has been low for two weeks or more and life feels harder than it should, book a consultation. If you are in crisis, call 000 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Can I be assessed for depression in an online consultation?

Yes. A GP can take a full history, use validated screening tools such as the PHQ-9 and K-10, conduct a safety assessment, and prepare a Mental Health Treatment Plan in a telehealth consultation. Most aspects of depression assessment and management in primary care work well via video consultation. A GP will discuss whether in-person review is appropriate in your specific case.

What is a Mental Health Treatment Plan?

A Mental Health Treatment Plan is a document prepared by a GP that identifies your mental health needs and the planned response. It entitles eligible patients to a defined number of Medicare-rebated psychology sessions per calendar year. The plan is reviewed periodically and adjusted as needed.

Will I need medication?

Not always. Many patients with mild to moderate depression respond well to psychological therapy and behavioural strategies without medication. For others, medication is part of the plan. The choice depends on the severity, your history, your preferences, and a clinical conversation with your doctor.

How long does treatment usually take?

There is no fixed timeline. Some patients see meaningful improvement within weeks of starting therapy or medication. Others need a longer course of treatment. Reviews are typically every two to four weeks early on, less frequently once the plan is stable.

What if I am in crisis?

Call 000 immediately if you are in danger or having thoughts of acting on suicidal feelings. Present to your nearest emergency department. Call Lifeline on 13 11 14 for 24-hour crisis support. Kids Helpline is available for under-25s on 1800 55 1800. Beyond Blue is available on 1300 22 4636.