Loading condition information
Conditions
Depression
A mental health condition causing persistent low mood, loss of interest, and changes in sleep, appetite, and energy. More than just feeling sad - depression affects daily functioning.
Get support
From $24.95 · No appointment needed
6 min
avg cert turnaround
13 min
avg doctor review
2
days a week
30%
refund if declined
Symptoms
CommonsymptomsofDepression
An AHPRA-registered doctor assesses these symptoms online - no in-person visit required.
Persistent low mood or sadness
Loss of interest in activities you usually enjoy
Changes in appetite (eating more or less)
Sleep disturbances (insomnia or oversleeping)
Fatigue and low energy
Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
Withdrawal from social activities
Our Scope
Howwecanhelp
InstantMed handles many common conditions entirely online. Here's what fits our service.
What we can help with
- Medical certificates for time off work
- Initial assessment and mental health screening
- Referral to psychologist under a Mental Health Treatment Plan
- Advice on support services and next steps
What needs in-person care
- Ongoing therapy or counselling
- Prescription of antidepressants (requires established care)
- Crisis intervention (call 000 or Lifeline 13 11 14)
Depending on your situation, an AHPRA-registered doctor may be able to issue a medical certificate or arrange a repeat prescription after reviewing your request online.
Clinical Guidance
Whentoseeadoctor
These indicators suggest you should seek professional medical advice promptly.
Signs you need a doctor
- 1Low mood lasting more than two weeks
- 2Symptoms affecting your ability to work or study
- 3Loss of interest in things you normally enjoy
- 4Difficulty maintaining relationships or daily routines
- 5You need a medical certificate or referral
Seek emergency care if
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicide - call Lifeline 13 11 14
- Plans or intent to harm yourself
- Severe distress or agitation
- Psychotic symptoms (hearing voices, paranoia)
Call 000 or go to your nearest emergency department
Clinical Insight
Adoctor'sperspectiveonDepression
InstantMed Clinical Team
AHPRA-registered medical team · Reviewed 2026-03
Depression is a clinical condition, not a mood or a mindset. It involves measurable changes in brain chemistry - serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine pathways - that affect thinking, feeling, and physical function. When I assess someone for depression, I use validated screening tools (PHQ-9) and look for core symptoms: persistent low mood, loss of interest or pleasure in things you normally enjoy, changes in sleep, appetite, energy, and concentration. Suicidal thoughts are not uncommon in depression and should always be taken seriously and asked about directly. Treatment is effective for the majority of people: psychological therapy (particularly CBT), medication, or a combination. The evidence shows that for moderate-to-severe depression, combined therapy and medication is more effective than either alone. A telehealth assessment for depression is a good first step - I can assess severity, provide a medical certificate if needed, and connect you with appropriate ongoing care. Recovery is possible and expected.
Treatment
TreatingDepression
Depression treatment is most effective when combining psychological therapy (CBT, interpersonal therapy) with medication for moderate-to-severe cases. SSRIs are first-line pharmacotherapy. A Mental Health Care Plan from your GP unlocks 10 Medicare-subsidised psychology sessions per year. Full medication response takes 6-8 weeks.
Sertraline
Zoloft
Class:Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)
Typical dose:50mg daily initially, increasing to 100-200mg based on response
PBS:PBS listed for major depressive disorder
- First-line antidepressant with broad evidence base
- Takes 2-4 weeks for initial effect, 6-8 weeks for full response
- Common initial side effects (nausea, headache) usually settle in 1-2 weeks
- Must not be stopped suddenly - gradual tapering required
Escitalopram
Lexapro, Esipram
Class:Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)
Typical dose:10mg daily initially, may increase to 20mg
PBS:PBS listed for major depressive disorder
- Well-tolerated SSRI often preferred for first-time treatment
- Fewer drug interactions than many other antidepressants
- Can be taken morning or evening - take at the same time each day
- Effective for both depression and co-occurring anxiety
Mirtazapine
Avanza, Remeron
Class:Noradrenergic and specific serotonergic antidepressant (NaSSA)
Typical dose:15-45mg at bedtime
PBS:PBS listed for major depressive disorder
- Useful when insomnia and poor appetite are prominent symptoms
- Sedating effect helps with sleep (take at bedtime)
- Weight gain is a common side effect - monitor
- Different mechanism to SSRIs - option when SSRIs are not tolerated
Source: Therapeutic Guidelines - Psychotropic, 2024. This information is educational only and does not replace clinical assessment.
Specialist referral: Referral to a psychiatrist is recommended if depression does not respond to two adequate antidepressant trials, if there is a risk of self-harm or suicide, if psychotic features are present, or for complex presentations (e.g. bipolar disorder, treatment-resistant depression).
Depression in Australia
Depression affects approximately 1 in 7 Australians at some point in their lives (Beyond Blue)
Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide and a major contributor to suicide
Only 54% of Australians with depression access treatment - many suffer in silence
A Mental Health Care Plan provides 10 Medicare-subsidised psychology sessions per year - ask your GP to set one up
Recovery
Whattoexpect
Typical recovery timeline and return-to-work guidance for most patients.
Typical recovery
With treatment, most people begin to feel improvement within 2-4 weeks. Full response to antidepressant medication typically takes 6-8 weeks. Psychological therapy (CBT) usually runs for 8-16 sessions. Recovery is a process, not an event.
Return to work
This depends entirely on severity. Mild depression: most people continue working with support. Moderate-severe: days to weeks off may be needed, with a graduated return. Your employer cannot ask for your diagnosis - a certificate saying 'medical condition' is sufficient.
When to reassess
Seek immediate help via Lifeline (13 11 14) or 000 if you are having thoughts of suicide or self-harm. See your GP if symptoms persist despite treatment, if they are worsening, if you are experiencing side effects from medication, or if you feel unable to function in daily life.
Self-Care
ManagingDepressionathome
Evidence-based tips to support your recovery alongside medical treatment.
Exercise is one of the most evidence-based interventions for depression - even a 20-minute walk daily has measurable effects
Maintain routine: regular sleep and wake times, regular meals, and getting dressed each day matter more than they seem
Stay connected with people - isolation reinforces depressive thinking. Even brief contact helps
Avoid alcohol - it is a depressant and worsens symptoms, even though it may temporarily numb pain
Be patient with recovery - depression did not develop overnight and will not resolve overnight
A Mental Health Care Plan through your GP provides subsidised therapy sessions - this is one of the most effective and underused support options in Australia
FAQ
CommonquestionsaboutDepression
Answers to the most common questions from patients.
Yes. Depression is a legitimate medical condition. Our doctors can provide certificates for time off work when your symptoms affect your ability to function.
Yes. Telehealth is well-suited for initial depression assessment, referrals, and medical certificates. For ongoing care, we recommend establishing a relationship with a regular GP.
No. Medical certificates don't need to specify your diagnosis. Your privacy is protected - the certificate only states you were unfit for work.
Mental Health Treatment Plans are best done with a regular GP who can provide ongoing care. We can refer you to appropriate services.
Ready to get help with Depression?
Australian-registered doctors review your request when available.
Full refund if the doctor declines.