Depression Psychologist

Depression

Everybody feels sad, down, or moody sometimes. Experiencing these feelings occasionally (and temporarily) is a normal part of life, especially in response to specific triggers or situations. Depression, however, is a serious mental health condition where feelings of sadness, emptiness, or low mood can persist for weeks, months, or even years. These symptoms negatively impact daily life and relationships.

Depression is quite common; according to Beyond Blue¹, 1 in 7 Australians is affected by depression at some time. 

Symptoms: Depression is characterised by feeling a prolonged sense of sadness, emptiness, or low mood for the majority of the time and/or experiencing an ongoing loss of interest or pleasure in activities one has previously enjoyed. These feelings are often accompanied by symptoms including lethargy, appetite changes, sleep changes (either sleeping too much or having insomnia), feelings of worry, and generally negative thought patterns. 

Causes: For most people experiencing depression, there is no one single cause. Depression may be triggered by stressful life events such as job loss, family problems, the end of a relationship, long-term unemployment, physical health issues, or the death of a loved one. For many people, however, there is no obvious or easily identifiable cause – though developing depression is most likely influenced by a combination of genetics, brain physiology, thought patterns, and stressful life events.

Depression can occur alongside other, overlapping symptoms (for example, anxiety) and these can impact sufferers in various ways. Depression usually responds well to treatment, and the right, individualised therapeutic approach can significantly improve one’s life and well-being emotionally, cognitively, physically, and socially.

How Can Our Depression Psychologist Help?

Delivered with warmth and compassion by an experienced anxiety psychologist, our treatments are tailored to meet our client’s specific needs. We collaborate closely with every client to understand the challenges they are experiencing and provide the most appropriate, effective treatment strategy for them. 

At Reach Psychology, our clinically-trained psychologists coordinate several evidence-based treatments and, for anxiety disorders, these may involve:

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) – this goal-oriented therapy can elicit lasting change and reduce the likelihood of future depressive episodes. It helps people challenge and change unhelpful thoughts, feelings, and behaviours and build skills to manage depression in a healthier way.

• Behavioural Activation Therapy – encourages beneficial behaviours to positively influence emotions and increase motivation. It emphasizes and provides strategies to enhance mood by engaging in enjoyable activities.

• Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) – focuses on addressing issues in the client’s relationships and their expectations of others to find new, more beneficial ways to develop and nurture relationships, express emotions, resolve conflict, and adapt to change.

• Problem-Solving Therapy – focuses on strategies to better manage life’s everyday challenges, stresses, and difficulties so they no longer feel overwhelming.

Reach Out To Us For Help

Depression is treatable – so reach out for help to improve your emotional, psychological, and physical well-being and enjoy a better quality of life. Our depression psychologists are here to support you by establishing a caring, comfortable, and trusting relationship with you and providing effective, proven therapies to help you feel better. Visit us in-clinic at our Melbourne Bayside location (close to Hampton and Brighton) or choose our Telehealth service.