Overcome depression with evidence-based treatment
Depression Psychologist in Melbourne
Everyone feels down or sad for periods of time, however if those feelings are lasting for more than two weeks it might be helpful to consider accessing support. Depression is a complex experience that affects how someone thinks, feels, and goes about their daily lives. It’s more than just feeling down – depression can impact energy levels, motivation, relationships, and overall wellbeing. Depression is more commonly recognised and understood and in 2020–2022, 16% or 3.2 million people of the 19.8 million Australians aged 16–85 years reported they had experienced an Affective disorder such as a Depressive Episode1.
If you’re struggling with ongoing sadness, fatigue, or feelings of hopelessness, it’s important to remember that you’re not alone, and there is help available. Depression counselling provides a caring space to explore your feelings, understand what’s contributing to your depression, and build strategies for managing it. Through tailored depression treatment and support from a psychologist experienced in treating depression, many people find relief and recovery.
If you’re searching for the best or newest treatment for depression or simply want to know where to start, it’s important to reach out. The psychologists at MCCP are dedicated to learning about the latest research and working with your GP or Psychiatrist to ensure you have the best care available.
1. Australian Bureau of Statistics (2020-2022), National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing.
Common reasons why people experience depression
Depression can have many causes and is often a combination of personal, biological, and situational factors. Some common reasons people may develop depression are:
Genetics
Depression can run in families, with genetic predisposition playing a role in increasing vulnerability.
Chronic illness
Living with long-term health conditions like diabetes, arthritis, or chronic pain can lead to emotional exhaustion and depression.
Trauma
Experiencing traumatic events, whether in childhood or adulthood, can lead to depression as the brain tries to process these difficult experiences.
Grief and loss
The loss of a loved one can bring intense feelings of sadness and, for some, lead to depression, especially if the grieving process is prolonged.
Substance abuse
Misuse of alcohol or drugs can be both a cause and result of depression, leading to a cycle that often requires professional intervention.
Isolation and loneliness
Lack of social connection and support can leave people feeling isolated, which can significantly increase the risk of depression.
Financial stress
Worrying about finances, job security, or debt can cause ongoing stress and worry, contributing to depression.
Relationship issues
Conflicts or breakdowns in personal relationships can lead to depression, especially if they involve a lack of support or trust.
Hormonal changes
Life stages like puberty, pregnancy, menopause or menstruation can bring hormonal shifts that can influence mood and lead to depressive symptoms.
Signs of depression
Depression can affect people differently, but there are some common signs to look out for. Signs that may indicate that someone is experiencing depression include:
Persistent sadness
A deep, unshakeable feeling of sadness that doesn’t seem to improve with time.
Loss of interest
Losing interest in hobbies, activities, or relationships that were once enjoyable.
Fatigue
Constant tiredness or lack of energy, even after adequate rest.
Sleep disturbances
Experiencing insomnia or oversleeping, often accompanied by waking up feeling unrefreshed.
Appetite changes
Noticeable weight loss or gain due to changes in appetite or eating habits.
Difficulty concentrating
Finding it hard to focus, make decisions, or remember details, even with small tasks.
Feelings of worthlessness
Persistent thoughts of guilt, shame, or low self-esteem.
Irritability
Increased frustration or irritability, even over minor issues, which can strain relationships.
Physical aches and pains
Unexplained aches, digestive issues, or other physical complaints that don’t improve with treatment.
Social withdrawal
Avoiding social interactions, even with close friends or family, leading to increased isolation.
Low motivation
Difficulty in starting or completing tasks, regardless of their importance.
Thoughts of death or suicide
In severe cases, depression can lead to thoughts of self-harm or suicide, which require immediate help and intervention.
Depression treatment
There are various effective treatments for depression that can be tailored to individual needs and preferences, which include:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a structured therapy that helps people identify negative thought patterns, introduce different responses to our thoughts and make active changes to our relationships and daily activities to help with improving our mood.
Schema focused or Mode therapy
Schema Therapy explores how early responses to our emotional needs in childhood may establish ongoing patterns for how we think about ourselves and the world around us. This can lead to schemas or ways of managing emotional stress that can be unhelpful.
Therapies that target anxiety or other conditions
Sometimes depression can be a response to significant anxiety and stress. Therapy that treats other conditions may lead to a significant improvement in depressive symptoms.
Third Wave Cognitive therapies, incl. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
All these therapies focus upon changing our relationship with our thinking rather than just challenging our negative thinking. This might include “defusing” or other techniques for how we respond to our thoughts. It will also include mindfulness meditation and behavioural strategies to reduce depressive symptoms.
Exercise and lifestyle modifications
Regular physical activity and a balanced lifestyle can significantly improve mood by releasing endorphins and supporting physical well-being. Dietary changes can be very helpful in managing the gut microbiome.
Group therapy
Connecting with others who understand similar experiences can reduce feelings of isolation and provide mutual support.
Family therapy or couples counselling
Involving family members in treatment can improve understanding and support, creating a more stable environment for recovery.
Medication
Medication such as antidepressants can be helpful for improving our mood, giving more energy and reducing irritability. It is important that medication is managed by a GP, Psychiatrist or Paediatrician. It is important to also not cease taking medication when you feel better unless you consult with your medical health professional.
Other psychiatric / psychotropic therapies
There is some evidence that therapies such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and psychedelic-assisted therapy can be helpful for people with prolonged and serious depressive conditions. It is important for you to speak with your psychiatrist about these therapies. It is also recommended that you have a good support system whilst trialling other therapies which may include seeing a Psychologist.
Common questions about seeking treatment for depression
How do I know if I have depression or if I’m just going through a rough time?
It’s normal to have ups and downs, but depression usually lasts longer and impacts daily life. Key signs include persistent sadness or irritability, loss of interest in activities, low energy, and changes in sleep or appetite lasting more than two weeks. If these symptoms are interfering with work, relationships, or motivation, a psychologist can provide an assessment to determine if you’re experiencing clinical depression.
How can I tell my loved ones about my depression?
Explaining depression to loved ones can be difficult, but honesty can foster understanding and support. Start by describing how you feel, emphasising that it’s a medical condition and not a matter of willpower. You can share examples of how it affects daily life and encourage questions. If it feels challenging to explain on your own, a psychologist can provide guidance on how to communicate with loved ones.
Is depression treatable without therapy or medication?
While some people find relief through lifestyle changes like exercise, sleep, and diet, therapy often provides additional tools to manage depression effectively. Depression can affect thought patterns and behaviours that are hard to change without structured guidance. Many people find that therapy and lifestyle adjustments together offer the best results. Speaking with a psychologist can help determine the most effective approach for your needs.
How can a psychologist help me with depression?
A psychologist can guide you in understanding and managing depression using evidence-based techniques. They’ll help you identify thought patterns and behaviours contributing to low moods, teaching you coping mechanisms for difficult emotions. Therapy provides a caring space to explore feelings, gain perspective, and develop skills for handling depression symptoms.
Can a psychologist help with depression if I’ve tried therapy before and it didn’t work?
Yes, many people who didn’t benefit from therapy initially find success with a different approach or psychologist. A Clinical Psychologist will assess your history as well as your current symptoms and will tailor an individualised treatment plan for you. There are many therapies that may be helpful for you and so treatment needs to be collaborative to find the right approach for you.
How do I find the best psychologist for depression near me?
There are lots of available treatment options for depression. Sometimes it can be a relief to take the first step and reach out. Clinical Psychologists generally have expertise in most of the evidence-based therapies and will tailor your treatment to suit you. Personal compatibility and style of communication is also important and you might like to consider if telehealth therapy or face to face depression therapy is the best for you or your family member.
Your options for depression counselling in Melbourne
We’re here to help you find the right psychologist for you.
Want to find out more about other common conditions and the services we provide?