Counselling for depression in Manly & Northern Beaches.

YOU’RE NOT ALONE

what is depression?

counselling for depression in manly & the northern beaches

Many people describe depression as a heavy cloud that dims life’s light, making it hard to feel joy, energy, or motivation. It’s often felt as sadness, emptiness, loss of interest in things you once enjoyed, or a constant sense of being weighed down. While everyone feels low from time to time, depression is different. It lasts longer, feels harder to shift, and shouldn’t be seen as a weakness or something you can simply “get over.”

Depression is one of the most common mental health concerns in Australia, affecting around one in seven people at some stage of their lives. It can take different forms, such as Major Depressive Disorder or Seasonal Affective Disorder, which is linked to seasonal changes. Because each person’s experience is unique, treatment needs to be tailored to the individual.

At The Counselling Practice, we focus on personalised support, helping you make sense of how depression is showing up in your life and what steps may help you move forward. No one should have to face depression alone, and reaching out for help is an important first step toward recovery and reconnecting with yourself.

what does depression feel like?

common symptoms of depression

Depression looks different for everyone, but some common signs can help with recognising it. For a diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder, mental health professionals usually look for five or more symptoms lasting most of the day, nearly every day. These may include:

• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities that once felt enjoyable

• Feeling sad, low, or empty most of the time

• Noticeable changes in appetite or weight (loss or gain)

• Trouble sleeping (insomnia) or sleeping too much

• Irritability or restlessness

• Ongoing fatigue or low energy

• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions

• Persistent pessimism or hopelessness

• Thoughts of death or suicide

It’s important to remember that each person’s experience is unique. Some may only have a few of these symptoms, while others might notice a wider combination. Factors like genetics, trauma, and life circumstances can all play a role in how depression develops.

Even in more severe cases, depression is treatable. Counselling approaches like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), mindfulness practices, and in some cases medication, can make a real difference. The goal is not just to reduce symptoms but to help you build strategies for longer-term wellbeing. You don’t have to go through this alone — support is available and effective.

TYPES OF depression

Depression can show up in many different ways, and not everyone’s experience is the same.

Some of the more common types include:

• Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD): Sometimes called dysthymia, this is a longer-term form of depression that lingers for two years or more. Symptoms may feel less intense day to day, but the ongoing low mood can still wear heavily over time.

• Postpartum Depression (PPD): After childbirth, some women experience sadness, anxiety, or feeling overwhelmed. PPD can affect both the mother’s wellbeing and her ability to care for her baby, making early support especially important.

• Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): Often referred to as clinical depression, MDD involves ongoing sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in usual activities. It can have a strong impact on daily life and relationships.

• Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): This pattern usually emerges in the colder months when sunlight is limited. It can bring feelings of fatigue, sadness, and withdrawal, which tend to lift as the seasons change.

• Bipolar Disorder: Marked by shifts between high (manic) and low (depressive) moods. The depressive phases can feel much like MDD and may be equally challenging.

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Triggered by trauma, PTSD may involve flashbacks, anxiety, and depressive symptoms that make everyday life difficult to manage.

Understanding which type of depression you or someone close to you may be living with is the first step in getting the right help. Each type has its own challenges, but all can be managed with proper support and treatment.

benefits OF counselling

Counselling can play a central role in supporting recovery from depression. It offers practical strategies, emotional support, and space to work through difficult feelings. Some of the main benefits include:

Easing symptoms

Counselling can reduce feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and anxiety, making daily life more manageable.

Improving overall wellbeing

By developing coping tools, problem-solving skills, and a deeper awareness of thought patterns, therapy helps strengthen mental health and resilience.

Rebuilding motivation

Many people find therapy helps them reconnect with interests and activities that once felt out of reach, fostering energy and purpose.

Strengthening relationships

Addressing communication challenges and emotional blocks can lead to stronger connections with family, friends and colleagues.

Preventing relapse

Therapy offers long-term strategies to manage future challenges, reducing the likelihood of depressive episodes returning.

Seeking counselling for depression is not just about managing symptoms. It is an active step toward growth, balance and a healthier quality of life.