Depression Counselling
We all feel blue from time to time and that is completely normal. Sadness is a valid reaction to losing a job, losing a loved one, of the loss of hope, a goal or a dream or encountering rejection. But what if you’ve been feeling this intense sadness for weeks or even months? You have this sense of sadness and hopelessness that is relentless. You haven’t been returning your friends’ calls, and getting out of bed has been a struggle lately, a lack of motivation. It feels like you’re drowning, and no one is around to throw you a lifebuoy and drag you out of the water.
If this is the case, then you might be suffering from depression.
But depression is a condition that is often poorly misunderstood. Here we’ll discuss what depression is, its causes, and how you can determine if you’re suffering from it or not. We’ll also talk about the different treatments available for depression and the counselling options you can explore with our therapists.
Depression: What is it Exactly?
Depression is a type of mood disorder characterised by intense and prolonged feelings of sadness and hopelessness. A person diagnosed with this disorder may also feel excessive fear or anxiety about something or about the future. They might suffer from feelings of worthlessness or they may feel intense guilt over something. This mood disorder is also called major depressive disorder or clinical depression.
Depression and Its Causes
Depression is an enigma psychologists and psychiatrists have been trying to figure out for more than 100 years. Sigmund Freud, the founder of psychoanalysis, theorised that the disorder can be rooted in negative experiences in childhood. Children, naturally, grow older. As adults we experience more losses, abuses, rejections, and criticisms — some more so than others. These negative experiences reinforce the person’s negative view of themselves, the world, and the future. Depression can also be a side effect to a mental health disorder.
But this is just one side of the coin. Individuals who have close family members afflicted with depression are also more likely to develop this mood disorder. Researchers have also theorised that low levels of a neurotransmitter called serotonin can lead to depression.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Depression?
Here are some of the common signs and symptoms of depression in adults.
- Excessive, frequent and/or prolonged feelings of sadness and despair
- Avoidance or withdrawal from the company of others
- Loss of sleep
- Lack of ability to be motivated
- Loss of appetite
- Loss of sexual desire
- Disinterest in hobbies and other pleasurable activities
- Neglect of personal hygiene
- Difficulty concentrating
- Some may exhibit extreme agitation, while others may exhibit apathy
- Suicidal thoughts
Symptoms of depression in children may manifest as headaches, fatigue, and stomachaches. Older adults, on the other hand, may exhibit symptoms such as loss of memory and extreme agitation.
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How is it Diagnosed?
Diagnosis is made by professionals only, however you can use the warning signs and symptoms we’ve listed above as a checklist to see if you or your loved one may be experiencing depression. As mentioned above, feeling sadness from time to time is normal. But if you’ve been feeling blue for at least two weeks and you are presenting four or more additional symptoms, then it’s time to seek help from a professional.
Treatments for Depression
There are two types of therapies available for people afflicted with depression. One type of method used is medications prescribed by a GP or a psychiatrist. This includes the administration of antidepressants, such as fluoxetine, sertraline, bupropion, imipramine, etc. Keep in mind that all antidepressants are prescription medication, so you’ll need to see a doctor and have a diagnosis before you can be prescribed these drugs.
Your therapist may also suggest that you undergo psychological therapy in conjunction with medication. There are several therapies designed specifically to treat depression, some of which include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Behavioural Activation Therapy, and Social-Skills Training.
Depression Counselling
If you suspect that you have depression and you need help, then reach out to us. We offer depression counselling which is facilitated by our trained and certified therapists.
We are here to listen to you and respect your feelings and what you have experienced. We have a no judgement policy/. We are here to empathise with what you are going through. We will help you choose the right tools to better manage your depression, and we will work with you to chart out the best path to take in this meaningful journey.
If you are living on the Gold Coast or surrounding areas, simply give us a call or book an appointment on our website for a consultation. Start the journey toward wellness and balance today with Counselling at Voxen.
Hi, I’m Katherine Nelson, a counsellor at Counselling at Voxen here on the Gold Coast.
When clients come to see me for depression, there are a few questions that come up time and time again. Here are three of the most common:
1. “How exactly can therapy help with depression?”
Therapy creates a safe space where we can explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours without judgment. Depression often brings feelings of hopelessness and disconnection. In therapy, we start to untangle these thoughts and build awareness around your emotional patterns. Using evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), we identify unhelpful thinking and replace it with more supportive strategies, so you can start to feel more in control and hopeful.
2. “How long will it take to feel better?”
That depends on the individual. Some clients start to notice small shifts in a few sessions, while others may need longer-term support. It’s important to know that healing isn’t linear—some weeks will feel better than others. What matters is consistency and finding a pace that suits you. I always work collaboratively so you feel empowered throughout the process.
3. “Do I have to talk about everything straight away?”
Absolutely not. You set the pace. Therapy isn’t about reliving every painful moment on day one. We focus on building trust and helping you feel safe. Over time, as you feel ready, we can explore deeper issues if needed. There’s no rush—your comfort comes first.
If you’re struggling with depression, please know you’re not alone. Reaching out is a courageous first step, and support is here when you’re ready.
— Katherine Nelson, Counselling at Voxen
