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Depression

What is depression?

Depression is a human experience that can shape how you feel, think, and move through the world. It can show up as heaviness, low energy, numbness, or a sense of disconnection from yourself or others. Things that once felt simple may begin to feel effortful or overwhelming.

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Depression can look different for each person.

You might notice signs of:

  • Low energy, fatigue, or a sense of heaviness

  • Reduced motivation or interest in things that once felt meaningful

  • Feeling numb, disconnected, or flat

  • Difficulty concentrating or making decisions

  • Changes in sleep or appetite

  • Negative self-talk and low self-confidence

  • Self-harm 

  • Suicidal thoughts

  • Withdrawing from others or needing more time alone

 

These experiences can be deeply isolating, especially when they have been present for a long time.

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Why do people experience depression?

Depression often makes sense when viewed in context. Some reasons may include:

  • Long-term stress, burnout, or emotional overload

  • Loss, grief, or major life transitions

  • Genetic and biological factors

  • Loneliness and social isolation 

  • Unemployment and economic hardship

  • Conflict with friends and family or partner

  • Separation 

  • Overwhelming life events or chronic pressure to keep going without support

  • Neurodivergent individuals navigating environments that are consistently mismatched to their needs

  • Substance use

 

Depression can be understood as the body and mind slowing down after carrying too much for too long.

​​How can therapy support depression?

Therapy is tailored to you and may include a combination of approaches, adapted to feel supportive and manageable:​

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Dialectical Behaviorual Therapy (DBT)

Through DBT, you can learn skills to care for yourself during low moments, handle intense feelings, and take small, steady steps toward feeling more connected and hopeful again.

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Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
ACT supports gently reconnecting with values and meaning, even when motivation is low, without forcing change.

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Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
CBT can help explore patterns of thinking that reinforce hopelessness, while moving at a pace that respects emotional capacity.​​​

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Schema Therapy (ST)

Schema Therapy helps with depression by gently exploring the deeper beliefs and emotional patterns underneath it, softening self criticism, and supporting you to build a kinder, more connected relationship with yourself over time.

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Need extra support?

 

If depression feels heavier between sessions, or you would like a little extra support, you do not have to manage it on your own. The services below offer free, and confidential support across Australia.

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Trusted information and self help

  • Beyond Blue
    Practical tools, information about depression, and free phone and online support
    Call 1300 22 4636 or webchat via their website

  • Black Dog Institute
    Research informed resources, fact sheets, and self help strategies for managing low mood

  • MindSpot
    Free online assessments and guided treatment programs for depression and anxiety

 

Free and confidential support lines

  • Lifeline Australia
    24 hour crisis support
    Call 13 11 14 or text 0477 13 11 14

  • Suicide Call Back Service
    24 hour counselling for people feeling suicidal or supporting someone who is
    Call 1300 659 467

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