Depression is a manageable medical condition characterized by moods and feelings (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare [AIHW], 2013a). Depression can affect the quality of life a person experiences and is thought to be linked to cognitive impairment (AIHW, 2013a). Symptoms of depression can be improved through pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions and treatments (AIHW, 2013a). In Australia, depression still remains the second leading cause of disability. Between the years 2011 and 20012, depression was one of the three most frequently managed mental health conditions (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare [AIHW], 2013b). Our brain contains billions of neurons, which are essential for communication throughout the brain (Wasserman, 2011). The messages that are communicated through neurons are called neurotransmitters, which include amino acids (Wasserman, 2011). Neurotransmitters in our brain influence our emotions, which is why they are linked to depression (Wasserman, 2011). These neurotransmitters include norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin (Wasserman, 2011). Norepinephrine regulates anxiety and mood levels, which can lead to depression when a person experiences stress (Wasserman, 2011). Dopamine is involved in mental activity (Wasserman, 2011). When there is low dopaminergic activity, the individual may have difficulty feeling as if he or she is deriving pleasure from life (Wasserman, 2011). When there is too much dopaminergic activity, people get excited and want to change everything in their lives (Wasserman, 2011). Serotonin influences hormone secretion, which affects an individual's mood (Wasserman, 2011). When an individual does not have enough serotonin, he becomes aggressive and competitive... middle of paper....../WorkArea/DownloadAsset.aspx?id=60129544771Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2013b). Mental health services in brief. Cat. No. HSE141. Canberra: AIHW. Retrieved from https://www.aihw.gov.au/WorkArea/DownloadAsset.aspx?id=60129544723Coleman, L. H. (2012). Depression: A guide for the newly diagnosed. The new Harbinger guides for the newly diagnosed series, (pp. 178). Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publications. Retrieved from http://link.library.curtin.edu.au/p?pid=CUR_ALMA51102590320001951Nolen-Hoeksema, S. & Hilt, L.M. (2013). Handbook of depression in adolescents (pp. 727). Hoboken: Taylor and Francis. Retrieved from http://link.library.curtin.edu.au/p?pid=CUR_ALMA51105776920001951Wasserman, D. (2011). (2nd ed.). Depression. The facts. Oxford: OUP Oxford. Retrieved from http://link.library.curtin.edu.au/p?pid=CUR_ALMA51111809660001951