Fluctuations in mood and wellbeing are normal and are often dependant on what’s going on in a our immediate world. For example, when a person experiences challenging situations, it is normal to feel negative emotions, and this can range from a few hours to a few days. However, when low mood persists or if you are experiencing negative emotions with no explanation, this can be an indication that you may be experiencing depression.
Depression can look and feel very different from person to person. Therefore, when trying to understand what depression is, it is useful to consider the range of symptoms that can commonly be associated with depression. These common symptoms are listed below:
Self-harm and thoughts of suicide.
Sometimes people engage in self-harm as a way of releasing negative feelings. Thoughts of suicide may bring a feeling of temporary relief, much like an escape fantasy. Sometimes people can experience suicidal thoughts and feelings while also knowing that they would not act on them. For others, these thoughts carry elements of desire or intent, and represent real risk.
If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts or feelings, it is important to reach out to somebody you trust, or ideally, a trusted doctor or mental health professional. If you feel at immediate risk, you can call:
Your relationships may be under strain. You may have withdrawn, or feel worthless, or feel that you are of no value to your family or friends. You may be feeling cut off and isolated. You may also feel irritable and angry, and experience more conflicts in your relationships.
Your performance at work or school may be undermined. You may be finding it difficult to feel motivated and keep up, or you might be finding it hard to focus. You might have noticed that you are not performing at the necessary level, and you may be slipping further behind with tasks. You may be experiencing a lack of motivation and drive, and feeling like even the little things in life are too overwhelming to tackle. You may be avoiding things or feeling unable to organize yourself.
You may be experiencing sleep disturbance, feeling exhausted but still unable to sleep. Perhaps you wake up during the night, or very early in the morning, with your mind cycling around worries or fears, or anxieties about the approaching day. It may be difficult to get back to sleep, and you may feel increasingly frustrated in your struggle to be able to sleep. You may then start the day feeling exhausted and un-rested, which in turn feeds back into the patterns of lethargy and overwhelm.
You may be engaging in unhealthy or risky behaviours, be that substance-related, or putting yourself into unsafe situations. Sometimes these behavioural patterns may feel like an escape, or a way of diverting from other uncomfortable feelings. You may be aware that your behaviours are unhealthy or unsafe, but not valuing yourself or your future enough to care about the consequences or make different choices.
If you or someone you know is at serious risk of harm, please call 000 as a matter of urgency.
Depression is caused by a mix of factors, including biological factors (e.g. hormones and brain chemistry), psychological factors (e.g. our beliefs and thinking patterns), and social factors (e.g. our level of connection and support into our broader relationships and communities). This is known as the ‘biopsychosocial’ model.
Your psychologist will be equipped to explore these factors with you and devise strategies to help you achieve relief from your current situation.
Psychologists and Behavioural Scientists have studied depression for many decades and there is a wealth of literature that informs the treatment of depression. Some of these treatments fall into the domain of psychology and talking therapies.
There are numerous treatments that are shown to be effective for depression. These include: Cognitive-behavioural Therapy (CBT), Solution-focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, Emotion-focused Therapy, Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Psychoeducation and Self-Help. Some people will also speak with their GP or psychiatrist regarding the use of medication.
Laburnum Psychology employs psychologists who are experienced in treating depression. If you are relating to any of the descriptions described above and would like to access some assistance, please feel very welcome to call us and discuss your options, or send an enquiry via our enquiry buttons on this site.
If you are experiencing thoughts of harming yourself or have self-harmed already, it is important you immediately reach out for assistance. We would encourage you to contact your GP, or one of the following 24-hour helplines:
If you or someone you know are at serious risk of harm, please call 000 as a matter of emergency.
Depression negatively affects the way you think, feel and act. We’ll discuss when you should seek treatment for depression and how to find a depression therapist in Melbourne.
There are different types of depression. These include:
Major depression is a severe form of depression that involves persistent feelings of sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness, often affecting daily functioning. You might also lose interest in activities you usually enjoy.
While some people use the term “clinical depression” to describe depression diagnosed by a professional, it can refer to a broader range of experiences—including milder forms.
There are different subtypes of major depression, such as melancholic depression, depression with psychotic features, and perinatal depression (which includes both antenatal and postnatal depression).
When working with a therapist or psychologist, they might diagnose your depression as mild, moderate or severe.
Perinatal depression can occur during pregnancy or after birth. Typical symptoms include difficulty bonding with your baby, low moods or increased fatigue.
Persistent depressive disorder (PDD) is a long-term type of mild to moderate depression. It is marked by a consistently low mood that persists for most of the day, on most days, over a period of at least two years.
Melancholia, or melancholic depression, involves the manifestation of physical symptoms beyond just feeling sad or tearful. Individuals suffering from melancholia might experience a lack of energy and an inability to enjoy even positive life events.
The signs and symptoms of depression can vary. If you suspect that you might be suffering from depression, it’s important to seek treatment as quickly as possible. If left untreated, depression symptoms can worsen.
In particular, if you’re experiencing these symptoms, it’s necessary to seek depression therapy:
If you’re experiencing thoughts of suicide, it’s essential to get emergency intervention from a qualified health professional.
We are here to create a comfortable and supportive environment where we'll work to achieve the goals together
Meeting with a depression psychologist might feel like a challenging prospect, however, taking the step to seek professional assistance can be a turning point, and will likely enable you to find your way to greater peace and contentment in life. Let’s explore this further.
A depression therapist will listen to your experiences and symptoms without judgment. They will help you acknowledge your feelings and enable you to find strategies to cope with them. They will likely help you explore a proven type of depression therapy, depending on your type of depression.
Examples of these therapies include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), which can adapt how you think and behave. Interpersonal psychology approaches examine how your relationships can affect your mental well-being positively or negatively. Person-centred therapies can help you identify the root cause of your depression and how to regain a positive self-perception.
Working with a qualified and experienced depression therapist or psychologist can lead to improved mental health and well-being.
If you’re ready to make your first appointment with one of our experienced psychologists, you can book using our convenient online system.
A depression therapist will guide you through a structured session, allowing you to share your experiences while also gathering key information so as to assess the presence of depression. They may also utilise a formal assessment tool. There are many different types of depression assessment tools. A common type of depression assessment is called the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10), which measures anxiety and depression symptoms. Your psychologist will work with you to determine the right depression assessment approaches and guide you towards the most suitable interventions.
It can be difficult to tell the difference between anxiety and depression symptoms. Here are a few key differences:
It is possible to experience anxiety and depression at the same time. There are several overlapping symptoms associated with both conditions, including:
Self-diagnosis of anxiety and depression can be challenging. Consider exploring depression counselling in Melbourne, which will guide you towards a better understanding of your mental health.
Call us on 03 9877 9179 or complete the enquiry form below. One of our staff will personally be in touch with you.
Work with professionals who don’t just listen but support you through life’s challenges.
