Depression

Everyone experiences sadness from time to time. However, when feelings of sadness, emptiness or hopelessness persist for weeks or months and begin to impact daily life, it may be a sign of depression.

Depression is more than simply "feeling down" and can affect how you think, feel and function day-to-day. Research suggests that depression affects many Australians and can impact people of all ages and backgrounds.

If you're struggling with depression, you're not alone, and support is available.

What is depression?

Depression is a common mental health condition that can affect your emotions, thoughts, physical wellbeing and behaviour. While everyone experiences difficult days, depression tends to last longer and can make even simple daily tasks feel overwhelming. Depression can affect relationships, work, study, motivation and self-confidence.

Some people describe depression as feeling sad all the time. Others describe feeling numb, disconnected, irritable or emotionally exhausted. Depression can look different for different people.

Signs and symptoms of depression

Depression can affect people in many different ways.

You may be experiencing depression if you have noticed some of the following:

Emotional signs

• Feeling sad, empty or hopeless

• Feeling irritable, frustrated or overwhelmed

• Losing confidence in yourself

• Feeling guilty or ashamed

• No longer enjoying activities you once enjoyed

Thinking patterns

• Being overly self-critical

• Thinking "I'm a failure" or "I'm not good enough"

• Feeling worthless

• Struggling to see a positive future

• Feeling stuck or unable to make decisions

Physical signs

• Constant fatigue or low energy

• Changes in sleep patterns

• Difficulty concentrating

• Changes in appetite

• Headaches, muscle tension or other physical symptoms

Behavioural changes

• Withdrawing from family and friends

• Avoiding activities or responsibilities

• Finding it difficult to keep up with work or study

• Relying more heavily on alcohol or other coping strategies

Depression may look slightly different for each person. Some people appear to be functioning well on the outside while privately struggling with persistent low mood and emotional exhaustion.

What causes depression?

There is rarely a single cause of depression.

Research suggests that depression often develops through a combination of factors, including life experiences, personal circumstances and biological influences.

Some contributing factors may include:

• Major life changes or stressful events

• Relationship difficulties

• Grief and loss

• Workplace stress or burnout

• Financial pressures

• Ongoing health concerns

• Experiences of trauma

• Social isolation or loneliness

• Family history of mental health concerns

For some people, depression develops gradually without an obvious trigger. For others, depression may emerge after a significant life event or prolonged period of stress.

How counselling can help with depression

When you're experiencing depression, it can be difficult to imagine things improving. You may feel stuck, disconnected from yourself or uncertain about where to begin.

Together, we can:

• Explore the factors contributing to your depression

• Identify unhelpful patterns of thinking and coping

• Develop healthier ways of responding to difficult emotions

• Reconnect with your values and sense of purpose

• Strengthen self-compassion and self-understanding

• Build practical strategies to support your wellbeing

Counselling is not about "thinking positively" or pretending everything is okay. Rather, counselling can help you make sense of what you're experiencing, address the factors contributing to your depression and work towards feeling more like yourself again.

Culturally inclusive support for depression

Culture, identity, family expectations and life experiences can all influence the way depression is experienced and understood.

For some people, mental health struggles may feel difficult to discuss due to cultural stigma, family values or concerns about burdening others.

At More Good Days Therapy, we provide culturally inclusive counselling that recognises the important role culture, identity and lived experience can play in emotional wellbeing. We strive to create a space where all parts of your experience can be explored safely and respectfully.