Depression Counselling

 

Every person feels sadness. Experiencing fleeting waves of low emotions is simply a part of life.

But what happens when those feelings don’t go away?

What happens when you find yourself living each day in what feels like a black hole?

If this sounds like you, you might be wondering - am I depressed?

Despite depression being one of the most prevalent mental illnesses in the world, it’s still incredibly misunderstood. This can make it difficult to understand exactly what you’re going through and how to determine if you need to find help.

What Is Depression?

Depression can look different for every person, however, at the most basic level, depression is characterised by overall extreme sad, empty feelings that last for weeks or months at a time.

These chronic low moods eventually impact every area of a person’s life; from the quality of their relationships to the way they view themselves.

Depression is an incredibly exhausting and debilitating mental illness that can quickly turn into a something more severe if not treated.

depressed woman needing counselling

That’s why there are people like me, Sami, to make sure you can get the help you need with depression counselling. So, what are the main symptoms?

Symptoms of depression :

● A persistent feeling of sadness that does not go away

● Loss of interest in daily activities

● Lack of self-care

● Trouble sleeping

● Withdrawal from social situations

● Irritability

● Suicidal thoughts

● Appetite changes

Keep in mind depression varies from person to person, we are all unique and can experience, all, a few, or even more symptoms. It’s often a combination of symptoms and factors that contribute to a depression diagnosis.

Research & Stats


 

Current research on depression in Australia has some pretty staggering numbers appearing as a common trend showing:

● 1 in every 7 Australians will experience depression in their life

● 1 in every 16 Australians are currently suffering from depression

● 1 in every 6 Australians are either battling anxiety or depression or both

● Australians seeking help, such as depression counselling, rose from 37% to 46% in three years

● Females are more likely to suffer from depression than men

○ 1 in 6 females will experience depression

○ 1 in 8 males will experience depression

● Suicide is the leading cause of death for Australian adolescents

How Do I Know if I’m Depressed?

If these examples sound like you, please book yourself in for a counselling session with Sami. Let’s work together to alleviate some of these feelings and shift the behaviours to a more productive and fulfilling life.

 

When you’re going through a tough time, it’s normal to feel a range of negative emotions. Sadness and heartache are both common responses to our human experience.

However, depression is different. No matter how “great” your life may be now, persistent grief and despair that won’t go away can be a sign that you’re depressed.

There are other ways you can tell if you’re depressed, and they may be more subtle than you think.

 
 

Feeling no pleasure in activities that once made you happy

Are you an avid artist? Does feeling the paint stroke against a clean canvas always bring you joy and fulfilment? If you haven’t felt any desire to pick up the brush in a while, you may be depressed.

Feeling as though there is a ‘fog’ between you and the world

This symptom of depression can feel particularly lonely. You may feel as though there's a fog, or smoke screen separating you from the rest of the world. While everyone moves on and goes about their day, you’re stuck. Decision making can become incredibly difficult as your focus and ability to concentrate are diminished.

An overwhelming feeling that there is no way out

If you find yourself feeling as though you’re living in a black hole with no escape, you may be depressed. If these intrusive thoughts are persistent and you find yourself overwhelmed by them, it’s crucial to seek help right away. Hopelessness is one of the leading causes of suicide.

Your sleeping habits have changed

Being depressed doesn’t always show up as sleeping all day. This is a common symptom of depression, however having trouble falling or staying asleep can be a warning sign as well. You may feel as though no matter how much sleep you get, you wake up exhausted. This fatigue can lead to even lower moods and prevent those with depression from being able to perform everyday tasks.

You have started feeling mystery pains

It’s not uncommon for people struggling with depression to experience body aches that have no direct cause. Muscle tension, chest pain, nausea and headaches are all physical symptoms that can arise from the mind - body connection.

You may find your appetite has changed

Depression can manifest as either over-eating, or not eating at all. If your body weight has fluctuated by 5% or more in a month, it may be time to seek help for depression.

You find yourself just trying to survive the day

If every day feels like an uphill battle, you may be suffering from depression. For many, getting out of bed in the morning can seem daunting. Surviving may feel like the number one goal for the day, as it surpasses all other ambitions.

You are engaging in self destructive behaviour

When you find yourself constantly feeling hopeless, you may become inclined to participate in reckless activities such as substance abuse or impaired driving. You may find this stems from an overall lack of caring about what happens to you, or because you feel like these activities distract you from your battle within.

 

FAQs

Depression

  • Research shows that most people who receive therapy experience symptom relief and are better able to function in their lives. About 75 percent of people who enter psychotherapy show some benefit from it.

    Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is the most effective form of psychotherapy for depressive and anxiety disorders. Generally, a short-term treatment, CBT focuses on teaching you specific skills to improve your symptoms and gradually return to the activities you've avoided because of anxiety. CBT helps identify and change negative thoughts and associated behaviours. People who suffer from depression often struggle with negative thought patterns. These thought patterns then influence our behaviour.

  • Here are a few things to consider when attempting to help someone who doesn't want help:

    1. Listen and validate. It doesn't hurt to just listen.

    2. Ask questions.

    3. Resist the urge to fix or give advice. They need your support more than your advice

    4. Explore options together. This includes helping them find support.

    5. Take care of yourself and find your own support.

    6. Be patient

    Approach the conversation with care and concern, not judgement.

  • Nothing. Just you and a willingness to open up and share what’s been going on for you.

  • Well, that depends on you. Keep in mind depression varies from person to person, we are all unique and can experience, all, a few, or even more symptoms.

    It’s often a combination of symptoms and factors that contribute to a depression diagnosis.

    There are methods that, if used consistently, can help you move through and past this. Generally, the suggestion is to speak once a week whilst we work through the challenges and then as often as need thereafter.

  • We aim to provide uncomplicated affordable therapy for everyone, so we have a range of individual sessions and discounted packages available:

    Individual Counselling

    60 minute sessions $80.00

    45 minute sessions $65.00

    Discount Packages

    1 month package - 4 x 60 minute sessions - $300

    2 month package - 8 x 60 minute sessions - $600

    3 month package - 12 x 60 minute sessions - $900

  • Services offered using this counselling service are not covered by health insurance, Medicare or Mental Health Plans.

    Please note that The Counselher offers uncomplicated affordable pricing options which are typically comparable with the co-pays gap of Medicare. The difference is you can book in immediately without a 6-week wait and a personal loan.