Experienced Depression Counselling Melbourne: Finding Hope and Healing

Experience support from trusted Melbourne psychologists for a healthier life.

Depression Counselling Melbourne: Understanding Depression

Our team of compassionate clinicians at Solace Psychology provide skilled depression counselling at our Melbourne practices. Connect with our diverse team to find a registered psychologist in Melbourne best suited to support your mental well-being.

What is Depression?

Most people feel run down and low every so often. But for many of us, feeling ‘down’ can be more detrimental to our mental well-being, work/study and relationships.

Depression is a mood disorder and a common mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. The majority of individuals that experience Depression can also experience Anxiety.

It is a serious condition that can significantly impact someone’s mental health, quality of life and daily functioning. Approximately one in seven Australians are affected by depression.

Depression is a complex condition that can manifest in different ways and is often characterised by persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest, hopelessness, and helplessness for at least 2 week period.

Individuals may experience major depression, persistent depressive disorder, postpartum depression or other mood disorders.

Depression can be triggered by other mental health conditions such as Anxiety, Substance Abuse or PTSD. Depression requires the right support from a clinical psychologist or another relevant mental health expert.

Signs and Symptoms of Depression

Depression can appear differently in individuals. But, there are some consistent traits we see in clients experiencing depression. Recognising the signs and symptoms is crucial when seeking depression treatment in Melbourne. Depression can cause mental and sometimes physical symptoms that often feel unexplainable and can negatively impact ones perspective of themselves, others and the world.

If you feel you or someone you know is experiencing depression, it’s important to recognise the warning signs and symptoms in order to see it as something that is happening to me as opposed to this is me. By doing so, the right support can be actioned to treat depression.

Some common symptoms of depression include:

Feelings of sadness or hopelessness
Loss of interest or pleasure in activities
Persistent low mood
Changes in appetite and weight
Insomnia or excessive sleeping
Immense feelings of guilt and worthlessness
Difficulty concentrating
Physical symptoms such as headaches and body aches
A person feeling depressed may also suffer from other symptoms. Depression does not look and feel the same for every individual. This is where a professional psychologist can support you in uncovering what may be causing your negative thoughts and feelings and how you can overcome them.

What Type of Depression Do I Have?

Depression is a mood disorder that can appear in many forms. Some people can experience depression more briefly, while others suffer for longer periods. Depression can also cause other mental health issues when no support is in place, which is why seeking therapy is crucial. The best way to understand the type of depression you may be experiencing (and why) is to work with a trained psychologist.

Major Depressive Disorder

Major depressive disorder is a type of depression that involves low mood and low self-esteem. Minute tasks can feel overwhelming and individuals lose a sense of routine and joy in their day.

Individuals may also lose interest in their usual activities and are disconnected from everyday life and their loved ones. Symptoms of major depression can be incredibly disabling and interfere with the individual’s daily life. Symptoms of depression can include:

Continuously feeling sad
Changes in appetite and weight
Changes in sleep patterns such as difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
Anxiety and mood swings
Lack of energy
Feelings of guilt, shame and worthlessness
Physical illness with no explanation

People with major depressive disorder may experience symptoms most days or even every day for at least two weeks. They also may struggle with work, social relationships, physical health and daily functioning. Individuals with a severe form of depression may struggle with suicidal thoughts.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Seasonal Affective Disorder, commonly known as SAD or the ‘winter blues’, is a mood disorder that occurs during the cold winter months. It is sometimes attributed to the lack of sunlight people experience during winter. Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder can include:

Persistent sadness
Decreased energy or continuous lethargy
Increased appetite and overeating
Poor sleep or oversleeping
Difficulty concentrating
Social withdrawal

SAD can severely disrupt an individual’s life during this time. Although not extremely common in Melbourne, depression during the winter months can still occur and require support from a psychologist.

Depression Treatment Options

If you or someone you know is suffering from depression, it’s important to know that it is treatable. At Solace Psychology we create a targeted treatment plan using evidence-based therapies to suit your unique needs.

Depression Assessment

To develop the right treatment plan for you, your psychologist may complete a depression assessment with you during your first session. This assessment screens for various depressive disorders as well as anxiety and other co-existing mental health disorders in both young people and adults.

Your psychologist will talk you through the criteria for depression listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). This assessment will allow us to identify the type of depression you may be experiencing and its severity.

Treating Depression with Counselling

Treating depression greatly differs from person to person. There are several options for the psychological treatment of depression using evidence-based therapies. These include:

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
Acceptance and commitment therapy
Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)
Schema therapy

Our friendly psychologists can help determine which treatment may be right for you. We will develop this as part of your treatment plan, working with you to understand your personality, life situation and risk factors.

You may even prefer an integrative approach to your treatment, where multiple therapies are combined. We always consider the individuality of our clients and their circumstances. By doing so, we can craft a treatment plan that’s right for them and their needs.

Get in Touch To Organise Your First Appointment

Benefits of Expert Depression Counselling

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Our highly qualified psychologists are here to help you with managing depression and improve your mental well-being. If you’re experiencing depression, seeking support with therapy is always in your best interest. The earlier treatment is sought the more effective the outcomes.

Overcoming Depression

Individuals suffering from depression can feel hopeless. It’s essential to know that depression is a treatable condition that can be overcome with the right support in place.

You should never be ashamed when asking for help. Seeking support with your mental health is a sign of strength and self-awareness.

When you work with our mental health professionals at Solace Psychology, our treatment helps you learn coping mechanisms and feel empowered moving forward.

Our treatment uses evidence-based therapies to assist you in overcoming depression and its symptoms.

Personalised Depression Treatment

Our experienced psychologists offer personalised depression treatment. We tailor our target plan to your unique needs and circumstances. We bring a warm and understanding approach to every session.

We understand that everyone’s experience with depression is different, and we’ll work with you to develop a treatment plan that addresses your specific challenges and goals.

Finding the Right Depression Counsellor in Melbourne

Why Choose Us for Depression Counselling?

At Solace Psychology we have a diverse team of experienced and genuine psychologists and counsellors who specialise in depression counselling in Melbourne. We have a client-first approach, to ensure your needs and situation are always at the forefront of your experience with us.

We are conveniently located in Melbourne’s inner north in Carlton North and Coburg.

We offer a safe, non-judgmental, and supportive environment for individuals seeking help for depression.
We work only with evidence-based therapies with clients. These include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and DBT.
We are LGBTQIA+ inclusive, culturally sensitive and trauma-informed in our approach.
If you’re seeking a safe space with understanding psychologists, contact us today to begin your journey to improved mental well-being.

Meet Our Team

Our diverse team of clinical psychologists and psychologists offer expertise, warmth and knowledge of relevant therapies to support your journey. We aim to help rebuild your sense of purpose and happiness in life.

We always encourage our clients to look at our psychologists’ page. This way, you can see who you might feel is suitable for you and what you are seeking treatment for. If you’re unsure about who may be best for you, no problem!

You can always call our friendly Client Support team to help find the best fit and organise your first appointment. They can provide you with any information you need to assist in finding the right clinician.

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Nazli Kayhan

Masters of Clinical Psychology

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Beverley Tyrrell

Masters of Clinical Psychology

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Libby Perkins

Masters of Counselling
Psychology

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Luke Bamford

Masters of Clinical Psychology

Connect with a Psychologist Today

We understand taking the first step to reach out can be difficult. Our friendly team are here to support you on your journey to improved mental well-being. If you’re struggling with depression, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for expert depression counselling in Melbourne.

Our team is dedicated to helping you overcome depression and improve your overall quality of life. We work with you to create positive changes in your thoughts and behaviours for long-term improvement. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced psychologists to get experienced depression counselling in Melbourne.

Contact Us

Start Your Journey of Self Development and Healing with Us Today.

Book an Appointment at Solace Psychology

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625 Nicholson Street, Carlton North, VIC 3054

 

16 Harding Street, Coburg, VIC 3058

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Mon – Fri: 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
Sat: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

 

Client Support Team is available

Mon - Fri: 9:30 am - 5:00 pm