Counselling for depression offers a supportive and professional environment where individuals can address and overcome their negative symptoms. Through a combination of psychotherapy techniques, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), emotion-focused approaches, and interpersonal therapy, we aim to help clients gain a deeper understanding of their depression, develop healthy coping strategies, and rediscover a sense of hope, resilience, and overall well-being.
Understanding Depression
Depression is a common mental health condition that goes beyond temporary feelings of sadness or low mood. It can affect the way you think, feel, and function in daily life, often leading to changes in sleep, energy, motivation, and relationships. At New Connections Psychology in Melbourne, we provide compassionate depression counselling to help individuals better understand their experiences, identify underlying causes, and develop practical strategies for recovery. Depression can arise from many factors, including significant life events, ongoing stress, trauma, or biological influences, but with the right support it is treatable and manageable.
Symptoms
The symptoms of depression can look different for each person, but they often involve changes in how you feel, think, and behave. These may include physical signs such as fatigue or sleep problems, emotional difficulties like sadness or loss of interest, and behavioural changes such as withdrawing from others. When these symptoms last longer than two weeks and begin to interfere with daily life, it may be a sign that extra support could help.
The symptoms of depression can vary from person to person, but commonly include:
- Fatigue or low energy levels
- Changes in appetite or weight (either significant weight loss or weight gain)
- Sleep disturbances (insomnia or hypersomnia)
- Physical aches and pains, including headaches or digestive problems
- Slowed movements or speech
- Persistent sadness or a depressed mood
- Loss of interest or pleasure in previously enjoyed activities
- Feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, or worthlessness
- Excessive guilt or self-blame
- Irritability or restlessness
- Difficulty experiencing positive emotions or feeling emotionally numb
- Thoughts of death, dying, or suicide
- Withdrawal or social isolation, avoiding social activities or contact with others
- Decreased motivation or difficulty initiating and completing tasks
- Neglecting personal hygiene or appearance
- Increased substance abuse or engaging in risky behaviors
- Difficulty concentrating, making decisions, or remembering details
- Agitation, restlessness, or exhibiting slowed movements and speech
It’s important to note that experiencing some of these symptoms does not necessarily mean a person has depression. However, if these symptoms persist for an extended period of time (typically two weeks or longer) and significantly interfere with daily functioning, it is recommended to seek professional help for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Reach Out
If low mood, sadness, or lack of motivation have been weighing on you, counselling can provide a space to talk things through and find new ways of coping. At New Connections Psychology in Camberwell, we offer supportive depression counselling in Melbourne that’s tailored to what you need right now. If you’d like to know more, you’re welcome to get in touch and arrange a free 15-minute consultation.
