Low mood and depression

Sometimes low mood is easy to recognise.

At other times, it feels more like going through the motions: getting things done, but feeling distant from the people and parts of life you usually care about. You might feel sad, irritable or emotionally flat, or notice that ordinary tasks take much more effort. There may be a clear reason for the change, or you may be struggling to understand it yourself.

Feeling low occasionally is part of being human. When it becomes persistent and begins affecting your sleep, relationships, enjoyment or everyday life, it is worth paying attention to. Depression can look different from one person to another, and keeping up with responsibilities does not necessarily mean you are feeling well.

In therapy, I can help you explore what has changed, what may be contributing to the heaviness, and manageable ways to reconnect with what matters to you. Signs you might recognise‍: ‍

• Feeling sad, empty, numb or more irritable than usual.

• Finding little enjoyment in things you would normally look forward to.

• Feeling exhausted, slowed down or unable to get started.

• Sleeping much more or less than usual, or waking without feeling rested.

• Changes in appetite or eating habits.

• Finding it harder to concentrate or make everyday decisions.

• Pulling away from friends, family or activities.

• Being unusually hard on yourself, or feeling guilty, worthless or hopeless.

• Thoughts about death, or wishing you did not have to keep going.

If you are thinking about suicide or finding it hard to stay safe, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or 13YARN on 13 92 76 for immediate support.

If some of this feels familiar, Black Dog Institute's guide to the signs of depression may help you make sense of what you are noticing.

What an initial session focused on low mood looks like:

We’d explore what changes you’ve noticed over time and across the different areas of your life - work, relationships, health, hobbies. I’ll explore how you’ve coped for so long, who you have around you and what parts of you still feel like you or at least the closest to that sense.

Each session may look different for each person, I’ll work alongside you to explore what’s important to you.