Depression Treatment in Melbourne

Distinguishing between depression and a difficult phase can be tricky. Typically, it starts with a persistent low mood, experiencing a downcast feeling on most days of the week, and a noticeable loss of interest or joy in various aspects of life. Our psychologists are available to support you, whether online or in-person at our Melbourne psychology practice. If you find yourself reading and contemplating the idea of starting depression treatment at a Melbourne psychology practice, it could be because you’ve been experiencing feelings of sadness, melancholy, or irritability.

Depression and when to seek support

What are the signs and symptoms of depression?

• Increased fatigue and reduced energy
• Experiencing a persistent lack motivation to maintain your usual routines
• Difficulty concentrating at school, work, or higher education settings
• Feeling a constant sense of failure and lowered self-esteem
  
• Negative self-perceptions dominate your thoughts
  
• Heightened irritability especially in children and teens
  
• Increased outbursts or disproportionate emotional responses
• Feeling a persistent feeling of general unease and nervousness
  
• Feelings of hopelessness and thinking that positive change is unattainable
  
• View yourself as a burden or hindrance to others
• Withdrawal and social isolation from others
  
• Unhelpful thinking patterns and negative internal dialogue
• Persistent feelings of sadness and loss of interest in most things
• Everything feels like an effort disproportionate to the tasks
• Compliments might trigger discomfort or you doubt the sincerity behind it
  
• The simplest tasks can feel overwhelming, prompting a desire to retreat and avoid interaction
  
• Withdrawing that in turn exacerbates feelings of flatness and daytime sleepiness
  
• Getting out of bed, socialising, showering, or cooking might become challenging

Positivity Wellbeing Psychology is not a crisis support service. In an emergency, dial ‘triple zero’ (000). If you need support or someone is at risk, call Lifeline at 13 11 14, Suicide Call Back Service at 1300 659 467, or Beyond Blue at 1300 22 4636. For a additional information on immediate supports, click here.

Here are some ways that depression can impact the way you behave:

• Withdrawal from social activities, friends, and family
• Reduced participation in once-enjoyable hobbies or interests
• Changes in sleep patterns, such as insomnia or excessive sleeping
• Alterations in appetite or weight, either significant increase or decrease
• Decline in personal hygiene and self-care habits

Here are some ways that depression can impact the way you feel:

• Persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or emptiness
  
• Frequent tearfulness or excessive crying
  
• Low self-esteem and self-worth
  
• Heightened irritability or easily becoming frustrated
  
• Overwhelming guilt or feelings of worthlessness

What are the cognitive signs of depression?

• Difficulty experiencing pleasure or interest in activities that were once enjoyable
  
• Reduced ability to focus and concentrate on tasks, even routine ones
  
• Struggles with making decisions, regardless of their significance
  
• Persistent feelings of worthlessness and self-criticism
  
• Frequent self-doubt and heightened sensitivity to criticism
  
• Negative interpretation of events, often perceiving them in a pessimistic light
  
• Diminished self-confidence and a sense of inadequacy
  
• Cognitive rigidity, finding it hard to adapt to new situations or perspectives
  
• Impaired memory, leads to difficulty recalling recent or past events
  
• Mental fatigue and a feeling of mental cloudiness or fogginess
  
• Recurrent thoughts of death, dying, or a desire to escape
• Loss of purpose might lead to thoughts of suicide or self-harm

How can depression treatment with a psychologist help?

Psychologists are trained to collaboratively explore symptoms and the severity of challenges. This comprehensive understanding informs therapy goals and guides treatment options. In situations where depression is persistent and severe, a combination of talk therapy and medication might be considered as a potentially beneficial approach. Our therapy approaches will depend on the individual therapy goals, and are discussed in your initial appointments to support you on your mental health journey.

What evidence-based treatments are utilised by psychologists?

Psychologists adopt evidence-based therapies known for their high efficacy in improving mood, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Interpersonal Therapy, and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy to name a few.

CBT may be utilised to improve your mood, self-esteem, motivation, and rekindle your interest in enjoyable activities. Behavioural Activation may be used to help you engage in pleasurable activities and boosts motivation. Interpersonal Psychotherapy may be incorporated to focus on improving your relationships and reducing distress. Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy may display benefit to help foster present-moment awareness and prevents future episodes of depression. 

Our team of psychologists hold full registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and adhere to ethical guidelines as mandated by the Psychologists Registration Board and Australian Psychological Society. Our clinical practice is grounded in evidence-based treatment approaches, including effective treatment for individuals experiencing depression.

Depression Treatment Psychologist Melbourne