Depression in NZ: Symptoms, causes, treatment, and how insurance can help

What is depression?

Depression is a medical condition that causes ongoing feelings of sadness, emptiness, or loss of interest in things you used to enjoy. These feelings last for weeks or months, not just days.

Depression can make everyday tasks feel overwhelming and affect how you think, feel, sleep, and function. In severe cases, it may lead you to feel hopeless or think about giving up on life.

Depression is not the same as normal sadness, which usually passes with time. Depression is persistent and may come with other symptoms, such as extreme fatigue, sleep problems, or changes in appetite.

Who can experience depression?

Depression can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, background, or lifestyle. It may appear in childhood, adulthood, or later in life, and symptoms can look different for each person.

Myths about depression

False beliefs about depression often make sufferers feel blamed or misunderstood.

"It's a weakness." Incorrect. Depression is a medical illness, not a personality flaw — anyone can be affected, influenced by genetics, biology, and life experiences. Depression is not mere sadness or a lack of effort; it's a layered condition with multiple treatment paths.

"Just push through it." Also incorrect. The illness impacts brain function, energy, and drive, turning routine activities into major hurdles. This isn't a deliberate choice, and optimism alone won't resolve it. Recovery is common with proper support, including medical care, counselling, or medication.

Depression in New Zealand

Depression is a significant and growing concern in Aotearoa. Data from the 2021–23 New Zealand Health Survey show clear shifts in people’s mental health and wellbeing.

• In 2021–23, about one in three adults (34.8%) reported mild or greater symptoms of anxiety and/or depression in the past two weeks, as compared to one in four adults (25%) in 2016/17.
• Young adults (15–24 years) experienced a large increase in depression and anxiety symptoms and moderate or high risk of problematic illicit substance use.
• More children aged 2–14 (13%) were likely to experience emotional symptoms in 2021-23. In 2016/17, this figure was at 9.2%.
• More adults (41.1%) used some form of service or support for mental, emotional, stress, or substance use concerns in the 12 months before the 2021-2023 survey, up from 35.3% in 2016/17.
• More adults (8.4%) felt they needed professional help for their mental health, emotions, stress, or substance use and didn’t receive it, compared to only 4.9% in 2016/17.

What this means for you

Mental health pressures are rising and getting support can be challenging. Depression is not rare, and you're not alone if you're struggling. Early support, practical tools, and the right treatment can make a meaningful difference.

Signs and symptoms of depression

Depression affects your mood, body, and daily functioning. Symptoms usually last for more than two weeks and can range from mild to severe. Not everyone will experience the same signs, but recognising them early can help you get the right support.

You may notice several of these symptoms most days:

Emotional and mental symptoms

• Feeling sad, low, empty, or tearful
• Irritability or anger, even over small things
• Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies or events you used to enjoy
• Feeling hopeless, worthless, or guilty
• Trouble thinking clearly
• Difficulty concentrating, making decisions, or remembering things
• Feeling anxious, restless, or constantly on edge
• Thoughts of self-harm or suicide attempts (get help urgently if this happens)
• Pulling away from friends, whānau, and activities
• Feeling lonely or misunderstood
• Avoiding social contact or intimacy
• Losing confidence or motivation.

Physical symptoms

• Decreased energy or extreme tiredness
• Sleeping too much or too little
• Changes in appetite or weight
• Unexplained physical aches and pains, such as headaches, back pain, or stomachache
• Slowed speech or movements, or agitation and restlessness.

These symptoms can start gradually. You may feel not quite yourself for weeks or months before things get worse.

Depression symptoms in children and teens

Children and teens share many of the same depression symptoms as adults, but can also show it in different ways. They may not always have the words to explain how they feel, so noticing changes in behaviour is important.

Common signs include:

• Inability to cope
• Extreme sensitivity
• Acting out
• Not wanting to cooperate or participate
• Clinginess or fearfulness
• Aches and pains without a clear cause

• Poor performance at school or skipping school
• Loss of interest in friends or activities
• Using alcohol or recreational drugs
• Self-harm or risk-taking behaviour.

Depression in young people should always be taken seriously. Early support can make a vital difference.

Depression symptoms in older adults

Depression is not a normal part of aging, but can arise later in life due to a loss of purpose or routine that comes with retirement. Loneliness, grief, medical problems, reactions to medicines, or just needing more support are other common causes.

However, it may go undiagnosed and untreated, as older adults often present with physical issues rather than emotional. Reluctance to discuss feelings, memories of past negative experiences with mental health care, and concerns about taking additional medication also prevent many from seeking help.

Common signs include:

• Prolonged feelings of sadness or despair
• Issues with memory, concentration, and decision-making
• Behavioural changes, such as increased irritability and anxiety
• Unexplained or worsening aches and pains
• Lack of energy, fatigue
• Changes in appetite (overeating or loss of appetite)
• Changes in sleep habits (oversleeping, having difficulty sleeping)
• Loss of motivation and interest in things you used to enjoy, such as hobbies
• Wanting to stay at home instead of going out or socialising
• Feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, or being a burden
• Neglecting one’s health (skipping medications and meals) and personal hygiene
• Thoughts of death or suicide.

If you notice these symptoms in yourself or an elderly loved one, reaching out to a GP or mental health service is a good first step. Support is available, and early help can mean better recovery.

Where to get help: Depression services and helplines in New Zealand

If you or someone you love is in immediate danger:

• call 111
• go to the nearest emergency department
• call your local mental health crisis assessment team.

Crisis and national helplines

You can talk to someone for free:

• 1737 – Need to talk? Call or text 1737 to talk to a trained counsellor (available 24/7)
• Depression helpline – 0800 111 757 or text 4202 (available 24/7)
• Suicide Crisis Helpline (0508 TAUTOKO) – 0508 828 865 (available 7am - midnight)
• Lifeline – 0800 543 354 or text 4357 (HELP) (available 7am - midnight).
• Samaritans – 0800 726 666 for loneliness or emotional distress (available 24/7)
• Youthline – 0800 376 633, text 234, or chat online (helpline available 24/7, webchat 10am-10pm)
• Healthline – 0800 611 116 for health advice from healthcare professionals (available 24/7).

Low-cost and free counselling services

Start by talking to your GP. They can:

• refer you to local mental health services
• help you apply for a WINZ disability allowance that may include counselling sessions.

Other low-cost or free options include:

• Searching the Family Services Directory, Wellbeing Support, or contacting your local Citizens Advice Bureau
• Employee assistance programme (EAP) providers through your workplace
• Free counselling at many universities and tertiary institutes
• Local Women’s or Men’s Centres and youth centres.

Apps and online tools

Check out the online tools below - although these are not replacements for professional help.

• Just a Thought and Beating the Blues (online courses)
• Small Steps for simple wellbeing tools
• The Lowdown, Sparx, Headstrong and Whitu for young people and adults.

Private therapy

You can also see a psychologist, counsellor, or psychiatrist privately. If you have insurance, check whether your policy covers counselling or other mental health benefits. This can reduce your costs and broaden your options, with some policies even providing financial benefits if your mental health condition impacts your ability to work.

Causes and risk factors of depression

There usually isn’t one single cause of depression, which often develops through a mix of life events, health conditions, biology, and personal vulnerability.

Life events, stress, and grief

Depression can be linked to stressful or painful experiences, including:

• Relationship issues, such as a break-up or separation, family violence, or interpersonal conflict, lack of social support, cultural isolation
• Financial and professional concerns, such as money issues, work pressure, redundancy or unemployment, or study stress
• Traumatic events, such as abuse, bullying, harassment, a serious accident or injury, natural disasters, childhood neglect, or stressful events at a young age
• Living with ongoing stress, discrimination, or stigma (for example, as part of the LGBTQIA+ community in an unsupportive environment)
• Major life changes, like becoming a parent, moving, coming out about your sexual identity, retirement, ageing, developing a disability or illness
• Grief, such as after the death of someone close.

Grief itself is a natural response to loss, but sometimes it can develop into depression, especially if your low mood and loss of interest last for many weeks and affect daily life.

Health, biology, and medicines

Some causes of depression are linked to your body and brain, including:

• Other mental health conditions, such as anxiety
• Serious or chronic health conditions (for example, diabetes, heart disease, cancer, stroke, Parkinson’s disease, an underactive thyroid, chronic pain)
• Changes in brain chemistry and hormones
• Family history of depression
• Certain medicines
• Alcohol or recreational drugs.

These factors do not mean you will develop depression, but they can increase your risk.

Sometimes, depression appears out of the blue, with no clear trigger. This doesn’t make it any less real or serious, and it’s still very treatable with the right support.

Complications of depression

Depression is a serious condition. Without treatment, it can affect almost every part of your life emotionally, physically, and socially. It can also make existing health problems worse and increase your risk of developing new ones. These may include:

• Being overweight or obese, which can lead to diabetes or heart disease
• Chronic pain or ongoing physical illness
• Developing or worsening of long-term conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, or chronic pain
• Higher risk of developing other health issues, such as dementia, gastrointestinal issues, and a weakened immune system.

Emotional and behavioural complications

Depression can also affect the way you cope, leading to:

• Alcohol or drug abuse
• Anxiety, panic disorder, or social phobia
• Social withdrawal
• Self-harm or suicidal thoughts (seek urgent help if this happens)
• Self-destructive behaviours as a way of coping.

Impact on relationships and daily life

• Conflicts with whānau or partners
• Poor performance at work or school
• Loss of motivation, confidence and enjoyment.

Types of depression

Depression is not the same for everyone. Understanding the different forms can help you and your health professional find the right support.

• Major depressive disorder (MDD): This condition involves persistent low mood or loss of interest that affects how you function day to day. Symptoms may last at least two weeks and can range from mild to very severe.
• Persistent depressive disorder (PDD): A long-term form of depression where low mood is present most days for years. While symptoms may be less intense, they are ongoing and can affect motivation and self-esteem.
• Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD): A severe mood disorder linked to the menstrual cycle. Emotional symptoms, such as sadness, irritability, or anxiety, appear before a period and improve soon after it starts.
• Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD): A diagnosis for children who experience chronic irritability and repeated, severe outbursts. These behaviours occur across settings like home and school and last for at least a year.
• Substance or medication-induced depressive disorder: Depression caused by the effects of alcohol, drugs, or prescribed medicines. Symptoms appear during use or withdrawal and are not better explained by another depressive disorder.
• Depressive disorder due to another medical condition: Low mood or loss of interest caused directly by an underlying medical illness. Treating the physical condition can often help improve mental health symptoms.
• Other specified depressive disorder: Used when depression symptoms are clear and distressing but don’t meet full diagnostic criteria. The healthcare provider records the specific reason for the diagnosis.
• Unspecified depressive disorder: Applied when symptoms suggest depression but details are limited. This may be used when more assessment is needed before making a clearer diagnosis.

To personalise your diagnosis, your doctor may describe your depression with additional aspects, such as:

• Anxious distress
• Mixed features (depression with some manic symptoms)
• Melancholic features
• Atypical features
• Psychotic features
• Catatonia.

How depression is diagnosed

Getting a diagnosis is an important first step toward feeling better. In New Zealand, depression is usually diagnosed by your GP or nurse practitioner. They will look at your symptoms, health history, and what’s happening in your life.

Questions your GP may ask

During your appointment, you might be asked about:

• how your mood and thinking have changed
• sleep, eating habits, and energy levels
• how long the symptoms have been present
• previous periods of depression or stress
• mental health within your family or whānau
• current pressures, such as work, relationships, or grief.

Physical checks and tests

There’s no single medical test for depression; however, your GP may do a physical examination and order blood tests to rule out conditions that can mimic depression, such as thyroid problems, anaemia, or low vitamin levels.

Online tests

You may come across online screening tools like the Kessler 10 (K10) or PHQ-9.

The K10 measures levels of emotional distress linked to anxiety and depression. The PHQ-9 looks specifically at how often depression symptoms have affected you recently.
These are guides only, and indicate whether professional support may be helpful.

Understanding your diagnosis

Your healthcare provider will assess:

• whether you meet the criteria for depression
• the type of depression you may have
• wgyg5hether your symptoms are mild, moderate, or severe.

This helps guide the best treatment plan for you.

Management and treatment options for depression

Depression is highly treatable. Most people improve with a mix of talking therapy, medicines, support, and lifestyle changes that suit their situation and culture.

Psychotherapy and talking therapies

Talking therapy is one of the most effective treatments for depression. It helps you understand your thoughts, manage stress, and build healthier coping habits. Approaches like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and supportive counselling can improve mood and reduce the risk of future episodes.

You can access therapy through your GP, who may refer you to a counsellor or psychologist. Many regions in New Zealand offer low-cost or subsidised options.

Antidepressant medicines

For moderate to severe depression, or when talking therapy alone is not enough, your GP may recommend antidepressants.

• Common first options are SSRIs (such as citalopram, escitalopram, sertraline, fluoxetine)
• You may notice some benefit after two to four weeks, and some notice more improvement in six to eight weeks, but the full effect can take longer
• Many people take antidepressants for up to a year or more.

It’s important to keep taking your medicine as prescribed and not stop suddenly without talking to your GP first. Also, check with your doctor or pharmacist before adding other medicines or supplements. Medicines usually work best alongside talking therapy and lifestyle changes.

Hauora Māori and holistic care

For many Māori, hauora is best understood through Te Whare Tapa Whā:

• Whānau – family and social support
• Tinana – physical health
• Hinengaro – mental and emotional wellbeing
• Wairua – spiritual health.

Support might include whānau involvement, kaumātua, rongoā practitioners, Whānau Ora navigators, and community or marae-based services, alongside or instead of Western approaches.

Hospital and specialist treatment

If your depression becomes very severe, and you’re at risk of, or have already harmed yourself, you may be referred to specialist mental health services.

In urgent situations, a brief hospital stay or participation in an intensive day programme may be needed to ensure your safety and stabilise your symptoms. Psychiatrists, crisis teams and other mental health professionals work with you to create a treatment plan and provide close monitoring until you feel more settled and supported.

Coping strategies for depression

There’s no sure way to prevent depression, but there are many things you can do to reduce your risk, cope with symptoms, and support your recovery. Small, steady steps are more helpful than big changes all at once.

Get help early and manage stress

• Reach out early if you notice changes in your mood, sleep, or energy. Talk to your GP, counsellor, or a trusted person
• Learn about depression so you can recognise your early warning signs
• Try to simplify your routine and reduce unnecessary stress where you can
• Use relaxation tools, such as mindfulness, breathing exercises, gentle yoga or meditation.

Look after your body

Looking after your physical health supports your mental health:

• Sleep: Keep regular sleep and wake times where possible
• Movement: Aim for some physical activity, even a short walk or stretch
• Food: Eat regular, balanced meals to keep your energy steady
• Alcohol and drugs: Cut back or avoid them, as they often make mood worse overall.

Stay connected and build support

• Stay in touch with whānau, friends, community, or faith groups
• Plan small social contacts, even if you don’t feel like going at first
• Consider peer support groups, where people share lived experience of depression.

Find meaning, routine, and small joys

• Create a simple daily plan with one or two small, achievable goals
• Spend time in nature, even if it’s just sitting in the sun or listening to birds
• Do things that give you a sense of purpose or connection, such as hobbies, cultural practices, karakia or prayer, music, or creative activities.

Remember, you don’t have to do this perfectly. Even one small, positive action today is progress.

Depression and insurance

Insurance can’t remove depression, but it can make treatment more affordable and reduce financial stress while you recover. Many New Zealand policies now include meaningful mental health support.

Health insurance

Some top health insurance plans in New Zealand offer built-in, complementary, or add-on mental health benefits. These may include:

• Cover for psychologist or psychiatrist consultations (up to policy limits)
• Reimbursement for eligible mental health claims (up to policy limits)
• Free counselling or coaching sessions.

Each insurer does this differently. A Policywise adviser can explain which plans provide the strongest mental health cover and what fits your needs and budget.

Income protection or mortgage repayment cover

Income protection and mortgage repayment policies pay a monthly benefit if you can’t work due to a mental health condition, such as depression. This helps cover your rent or mortgage and everyday bills, so you can focus on getting well.

Some plans also offer redundancy cover, which provides up to six monthly payments if you lose your job through no fault of your own. This financial buffer can make a difficult period more manageable, reducing stress and offering valuable support for your mental and emotional wellbeing.

If you’re looking to make your premiums more affordable, some policies let you add a mental health limitation. This caps mental health claim payments, often to two years. A broker can help you decide if this option is right for you.

Counselling benefits

Some of the best life, trauma, TPD, income loss, and business insurance plans include counselling benefits up to around $2,500, if these consultations are related to a major claim. This can help you or your whānau cope during or after a critical health condition, cancer treatment, terminal illness, total permanent disability, or death of a loved one.

Insurance and pre-existing mental health conditions

If you already have a mental health condition, you may still be able to get insurance. Your mental health condition might be:

• covered, though you may pay higher premiums. You’ll still need to meet the claim criteria to receive a payout. For example, if you have income insurance, your mental or physical health issue must stop you from being able to work
• excluded: the insurer won’t pay for claims related to your mental health condition, but you’re still covered for other medical issues
• deferred: the insurer may opt to wait and review your application at a later time.

Even if your mental health condition is excluded, the right insurance plan can still protect your overall wellbeing. Cover for other serious conditions, while helping with bills and reducing financial pressure, eases stress that may otherwise trigger or worsen mental health symptoms.

Every insurer treats mental health conditions differently. Policywise can help you find policies that are more supportive of mental health, understand any limits or exclusions, and choose cover that fits your situation.

Coping with depression while being financially secure

Policywise can find and compare insurance plans that look after your mental health. And if critical illness, injury, disability, or death impacts you or your family, the right cover will help protect your long-term financial and emotional wellbeing.

Policywise is a 100% free service which tells you which health, life, and disability insurance provider best fits your needs. We offer fast, comprehensive, easy-to-understand comparisons of all leading providers, and a simple summary clearly recommending which insurer is best for your situation.

Not all insurance policies are the same. Policywise can help you sort out the duds, avoid the lemons, understand the fine print and exclusions, and get the right insurance for you and your family.

We make the important decision of where to buy your insurance super easy. We’ll answer your questions, provide experienced advice and quotes, and manage all the back and forth throughout the application process. Taking out your cover through us means you'll have our lifetime support and claims advocacy, and we'll help you negotiate a positive outcome at claim time. We can also take care of lodging any claims on your behalf and back you up if the going gets tough.

Check out the reviews on our homepage for how other New Zealanders have found our service, because now is the time to get your personal insurance sorted. Give your family or someone you love the most outstanding financial support possible. Book a 5-minute callback with Policywise today; our service is fast and free.