Support for Depression
Gentle, evidence-based therapy for children, teenagers, and adults who are going through a difficult time with low mood and depression.
Depression can look and feel different depending on your age and stage of life. For some people it arrives slowly – a creeping fog that makes everyday activities feel heavy and pointless. For others it can seem to appear overnight, triggered by a difficult event or transition.
Whatever it looks like for you or your child, it is important to know that depression is very common and highly treatable. You do not have to push through it alone. Seeking help is a sign of strength, and with the right support, things can start to feel more manageable.
What is depression?
Depression is more than just feeling sad. It is a persistent low mood that lasts for weeks or longer and gets in the way of everyday life – things like going to work or school, seeing friends, enjoying hobbies, or even getting out of bed. People with depression often describe feeling flat, empty, or numb rather than simply “sad.”
In children and teenagers, depression does not always look the way adults expect. Young people may not have the words to describe what they are feeling, so depression often shows up as irritability, anger, clinginess, or a sudden drop in school performance rather than obvious sadness.
In adults, depression can affect concentration, motivation, sleep, appetite, and the ability to enjoy things that used to bring pleasure. It is one of the most common mental health conditions in Australia, and there is no shame in experiencing it.
Signs you might notice
In children & teenagers
- Withdrawing from family, friends, or activities they used to enjoy
- Loss of interest in hobbies, sport, or play
- Increased irritability, anger, or tearfulness
- Changes in sleep — sleeping much more or having trouble falling asleep
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Declining school performance or difficulty concentrating
- Expressing hopelessness, such as “nothing matters” or “what’s the point?”
In adults
- Persistent low mood that lasts most of the day, nearly every day
- Feeling fatigued or physically drained even after rest
- Difficulty concentrating, making decisions, or remembering things
- Loss of motivation — tasks that once felt easy now feel overwhelming
- Pulling away from friends, family, or social activities
- Changes in sleep patterns or appetite
- Feeling worthless, guilty, or hopeless about the future
How therapy can help
Therapy for depression aims to help you understand what is contributing to the low mood and develop practical strategies to start feeling better. We use evidence-based approaches tailored to each person's age, needs, and goals.
For adults, therapy focuses on understanding the patterns of thinking and behaviour that keep depression going, and gradually rebuilding a sense of engagement, purpose, and wellbeing. The approach is practical and collaborative – working at a pace that respects where you are right now.
For children and teenagers, therapy is adapted to be age-appropriate and engaging, helping young people express what they are experiencing and develop coping skills. Parent involvement is often an important part of treatment, so families can understand what is happening and support progress at home.
Ready to take the first step?
You don't have to keep pushing through on your own. Get in touch and we can talk about what's happening and how we can help.