Psychological Support for Depression
Depression can affect every part of life, making even simple tasks feel overwhelming. It often involves deep sadness, fatigue, loss of motivation, or disconnection from things that once brought joy. At Refuge Psychology, support is offered with compassion and respect, helping individuals make sense of their experience and begin to heal. Therapy focuses on restoring hope, self-worth, and a renewed sense of meaning in daily life.
"Even the darkest night will end, and the sun will rise. Together, we can work towards a brighter tomorrow"
Information about Depression
What is Depression
Depression is a common yet deeply distressing mental health condition that affects how a person thinks, feels, and functions day to day. It goes beyond normal sadness or temporary low mood, often involving a persistent sense of emptiness, hopelessness, or loss of pleasure in things once enjoyed. People experiencing depression may also notice changes in sleep, appetite, energy, or concentration, and may struggle with feelings of guilt or worthlessness. It can affect anyone, regardless of age or circumstance, and often has a combination of biological, psychological, and social causes.
Some people experience temporary periods of feeling low, often triggered by stressful or challenging life events such as relationship changes, loss, or major transitions. This can sometimes be referred to as adjustment disorder, where mood and anxiety symptoms arise in response to these life stresses but generally ease as circumstances improve. However, for others, depression can become more persistent and intense, lasting for weeks, months, or even longer, without an obvious external cause. In these cases, depression can deeply affect energy, concentration, motivation, and self-worth, making it difficult to function or find pleasure in everyday life — but with the right support and treatment, recovery and renewed hope are possible.
What Causes Depression
There are many reasons why someone might experience depression. It can be triggered by significant life changes, such as losing a job, going through a breakup, or experiencing the death of a loved one. Sometimes, it runs in families, suggesting a genetic link. Other times, it might be related to ongoing stress, trauma, or certain medical conditions. Chronic anxiety and long-term stress can also contribute to depression by depleting emotional and physical reserves, disrupting sleep and hormone regulation, and increasing feelings of helplessness or exhaustion. Experiences of neglect, abuse, or unresolved grief can further heighten vulnerability to depressive symptoms.
Understanding the specific reasons behind someone’s depression is crucial, which is where the concept of formulation comes in. Formulation is like creating a map of a person’s unique experiences, thoughts, and feelings to identify the factors that may be maintaining their distress. It looks at biological, psychological, relational, and situational influences to provide a clear and compassionate understanding of the person as a whole. This approach helps in selecting the most appropriate and effective treatment plan, ensuring therapy is tailored to the individual’s story, needs, and goals.
What Depression Costs You
Depression can often lead to a vicious cycle. When you’re feeling down, it’s hard to find the motivation to do the things you once enjoyed. This lack of activity can make you feel even worse, leading to even less motivation. Breaking this cycle is an important part of recovery.
Depression can also affect relationships. It may cause you to withdraw from loved ones, feel irritable or misunderstood, or struggle to communicate. Over time, this can lead to conflict, disconnection, or isolation, which may deepen feelings of sadness and loneliness.
Work and study can also become difficult. Concentration may suffer, energy levels can drop, and small tasks may feel overwhelming. This can impact job performance or make it hard to keep up with responsibilities, sometimes leading to job loss or academic struggles—further affecting self-esteem and hope for the future.
In severe cases, depression can lead to thoughts of suicide. If this is happening, it’s important to know that you are not alone, and help is available.
Support is Available
Kylie, an online psychologist and experienced counsellor, offers evidence-based and compassionate support to help individuals break free from the cycle of depression and begin to rebuild hope. She draws from a range of therapies tailored to each person’s needs. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) helps to identify and shift unhelpful thinking patterns that can fuel feelings of hopelessness, while Schema Therapy explores long-standing beliefs and emotional themes that may keep people feeling stuck. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) supports clients in developing a more mindful and values-based approach to life, learning to make space for difficult emotions while taking meaningful action toward what matters most.
Because depression often affects relationships and how people connect with others, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and Gottman Therapy can also be integrated to address relational stress, communication breakdowns, or feelings of disconnection. These approaches help strengthen emotional bonds, build trust, and foster healthier patterns of relating. Together, these therapies provide a holistic path to understanding the root causes of depression, restoring balance, and supporting lasting emotional wellbeing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I’m depressed or just going through a tough time?
Everyone experiences sadness or low mood at times, especially during stressful or challenging seasons. Sometimes these feelings are part of an adjustment disorder with depressive features — a short-term reaction to significant life changes or stressors. In these cases, the symptoms may ease once the situation stabilises, but if low mood, fatigue, or loss of interest persist beyond a few weeks, it may be a sign of depression developing. Seeking support early can make a real difference, helping you process what’s happening, develop coping strategies, and prevent symptoms from deepening or becoming more entrenched over time.
How do I know if I’m depressed or just going through a tough time?
Yes. Depression is highly treatable. Psychological therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Schema Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) have been shown to help. Treatment may also include exploring lifestyle changes, medication (in consultation with your GP or psychiatrist), and strengthening social and emotional support.
Schema Therapy can be particularly helpful for individuals whose depression is linked to long-standing patterns of thinking and relating that have developed from earlier experiences. It helps uncover and address deeply held beliefs — or “schemas” — about oneself and the world, such as feelings of failure, unworthiness, or fear of rejection. By understanding how these patterns formed and how they influence current emotions and relationships, clients can begin to respond to life’s challenges with greater self-compassion, resilience, and flexibility. Over time, this process supports emotional healing and helps build a more stable and positive sense of self.
I feel like my relationship is making my depression worse. Can that be the case?
Yes. Conflict, emotional disconnection, or feeling unsupported can contribute to or worsen depression. Addressing these issues through therapies such as Emotionally Focused Therapy or the Gottman Method can improve communication, rebuild trust, and strengthen emotional connection. Schema Therapy can also help individuals understand underlying patterns or unmet emotional needs that may be affecting how they relate to others. Exploring these dynamics — whether individually or through couples counselling — can lead to healthier ways of connecting and resolving conflict. A psychologist can help identify these patterns, support each person in expressing their needs safely, and guide the process of restoring connection and mutual understanding.
What if my faith, values, or background are part of my struggle?
Many people find that their beliefs, identity, or past experiences — including within faith communities — shape how they understand and cope with depression. Therapy at Refuge Psychology provides space to explore these issues respectfully, integrating your values and worldview into the healing process if you choose.
When should I seek help for my depression?
Safety is always the top priority, and if you have any concerns for your safety, you can request a confidential phone call to discuss your situation prior to booking so you can discuss these concerns. Together we can discuss strategies to ensure confidentiality and minimise risks, such as using headphones, a separate e-mail address, or secure devices.
If you have immediate concerns for your safety at any times please call 000.
I think I might be experiencing postnatal depression — what should I do?
Many new parents feel low, tearful, or anxious after having a baby, but if these feelings last longer than a couple of weeks or start affecting your daily life, it could be a sign of postnatal depression. This is a common and treatable condition that can develop weeks or even months after birth, often linked to the emotional, physical, and hormonal changes of the perinatal period. You may notice feeling sad, detached from your baby, or struggling with sleep, appetite, or motivation. Seeking help early is important — with professional support, recovery is very possible, and you can regain a sense of connection, calm, and confidence in your role as a parent.
I’m a person of faith and feel guilty for feeling so low — does this mean I don’t have real faith?
It’s common for people of faith to question their spiritual strength when they experience depression, but depression is not a reflection of weak or inadequate faith. It’s a mental health condition that can affect anyone and is influenced by a mix of biological, emotional, and situational factors — not spiritual failure. Depression can make it harder to feel connected to hope or peace, even when your beliefs remain strong. Therapy can provide space to explore these struggles in a way that honours your faith, helping you rediscover meaning and compassion toward yourself while walking through a difficult season.
What is Depression
Depression is more than just feeling sad or having a bad day. It’s a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest that can affect how you think, feel, and handle daily activities. People with depression might experience symptoms such as feeling tired all the time, having trouble sleeping, losing interest in hobbies, feeling worthless or guilty, and even having difficulty concentrating. It can also cause physical symptoms like aches and pains.
What Causes Depression
There are many reasons why someone might experience depression. It can be triggered by significant life changes, such as losing a job, going through a breakup, or experiencing the death of a loved one. Sometimes, it runs in families, suggesting a genetic link. Other times, it might be related to ongoing stress, trauma, or certain medical conditions.
Understanding the specific reasons behind someone’s depression is crucial, which is where the concept of "formulation" comes in. Formulation is like creating a map of a person’s unique experiences, thoughts, and feelings to understand what might be contributing to their depression. This helps in choosing the right treatment approach, ensuring it’s tailored to the individual’s needs.
The Consequences
Depression can often lead to a vicious cycle. When you’re feeling down, it’s hard to find the motivation to do the things you once enjoyed. This lack of activity can make you feel even worse, leading to even less motivation. Breaking this cycle is an important part of recovery.
Depression can also affect relationships. It may cause you to withdraw from loved ones, feel irritable or misunderstood, or struggle to communicate. Over time, this can lead to conflict, disconnection, or isolation, which may deepen feelings of sadness and loneliness.
Work and study can also become difficult. Concentration may suffer, energy levels can drop, and small tasks may feel overwhelming. This can impact job performance or make it hard to keep up with responsibilities, sometimes leading to job loss or academic struggles—further affecting self-esteem and hope for the future.
In severe cases, depression can lead to thoughts of suicide. If this is happening, it’s important to know that you are not alone, and help is available.
Support is Available
Kylie, an online Psychologist and experienced counsellor, uses a combination of therapies to help break this cycle and support recovery. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) helps change negative thought patterns, while Schema Therapy addresses deep-rooted beliefs. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) encourages embracing emotions and committing to actions that align with personal values. Emotional Focused Therapy and Gottman Therapy can also be used to address relational concerns that are contributing to depression.
Book a session through the online portal today, or phone on:
1300 618 377
Take the next step toward healing and hope. Book your confidential online session with psychologist Kylie Walls and access compassionate, trauma-informed support wherever you are in Australia.
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Rebates are available with a Mental Health Treatment Plan