Depression

Is it depression, or just a low patch?

Everyone has days or weeks when they feel flat. Often that passes. But when the low mood hangs around, and starts to affect your sleep, your energy, your work and your relationships, it may be something more.

What is depression?

Depression ranges from low spirits that most of us feel at times to a severe condition, often called clinical depression, that interferes with everyday life. It can affect anyone, of any age, culture or background.

What are the signs?

•      Mood: feeling low, flat or tearful, or losing interest and pleasure in things you used to enjoy

•      Thoughts: worthlessness, guilt, poor concentration, harsh self-criticism

•      Body: low energy, sleeping too much or too little, appetite or weight changes

•      Behaviour: withdrawing from people, putting things off, going through the motions

•      Other: anxiety, panic attacks or social fears alongside the low mood

•      Feeling that life isn't worth living. If that's you, please see the support information at the bottom of this page.

"What's the point?"

"I'm letting everyone down."

"I should be able to snap out of this."

What brings it on?

Often there's a trigger such as bereavement, relationship difficulties, physical illness, family problems or job and money worries. Sometimes there's no obvious cause at all. Stress piles up, and depression often turns up alongside anxiety, panic attacks or social phobia.

It isn't weakness, and you can't simply "snap out of it".

Do I need to see my doctor first?

I'd encourage it, especially if your low mood has lasted more than a couple of weeks, or if you're having thoughts of harming yourself. Your doctor can check for physical causes and talk through options, including medication, if appropriate. If you're already seeing a doctor or psychologist, keep going. My work can sit alongside that, and I'm happy to coordinate.

How do I work with depression?

I use a range of approaches, including hypnotherapy and BWRT, to help you understand what is feeding the low mood and gently change the thoughts, beliefs and emotional patterns that keep it going. The aim is for you to feel lighter, more energised and more like yourself, at a pace that suits you.

Can I get help from home?

Yes. Sessions run online via FaceTime, WhatsApp, Messenger or Zoom, which can be a real relief when getting out of the house feels like too much.

What's the first step?

A free initial consultation, where you can ask questions and decide if I'm the right person to help, with no obligation either way. Call 0409 254 500 or email me.

If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call your local emergency number:

  • United States: 911

  • Australia: 000

  • New Zealand: 111

Need to talk to someone now? Free, confidential support is available 24/7:

  • United States: call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline). You can also text HOME to 741741 (Crisis Text Line).

  • Australia: Lifeline 13 11 14 (call) or text 0477 13 11 14. Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467.

  • New Zealand: call or text 1737 (Need to Talk?). Lifeline Aotearoa 0800 543 354.

Elsewhere: find a helpline in your country at findahelpline.com.

We’re not a crisis service and can’t respond to urgent messages.