Depression Therapy in Footscray

When life feels harder than it used to

Depression can affect how we feel, think, behave and experience the world around us. Things that once felt enjoyable may become difficult to engage with. Everyday responsibilities can take more effort, motivation may be hard to find, and it can become increasingly difficult to imagine things improving.

For some people, depression involves persistent sadness or hopelessness. For others, it feels more like emptiness, exhaustion, irritability or a sense of being disconnected from themselves and the people around them.

You might continue to go to work, look after your family and meet your responsibilities while privately struggling to get through each day. You may even find it difficult to explain what is wrong, particularly when there is no obvious reason to feel this way.

At Westside Psych, we provide evidence-based psychological therapy in Footscray for people experiencing depression, low mood and related difficulties. Our psychologists work collaboratively with you to understand what you are experiencing, explore the factors contributing to it and develop an approach that supports your wellbeing.

Depression is not a personal failing, and you do not need to manage it on your own. Seeking support can be a useful first step towards understanding what is happening and finding a way forward.

What does depression feel like?

Depression can look different from one person to another. It may develop gradually or follow a difficult period, significant life change or prolonged stress. Sometimes it occurs without an obvious trigger.

Common experiences associated with depression include:

• Feeling sad, empty, flat or hopeless.

• Losing interest in activities, hobbies or relationships that previously mattered to you.

• Feeling exhausted or finding even simple tasks difficult to begin.

• Struggling with motivation, concentration or decision-making.

• Experiencing persistent guilt, self-criticism or feelings of worthlessness.

• Withdrawing from friends, family or social activities.

• Sleeping more than usual, waking frequently or struggling to sleep.

• Changes in appetite or eating patterns.

• Feeling irritable, restless or emotionally overwhelmed.

• Feeling as though you are going through the motions without really engaging with life.

Not everyone experiences all of these difficulties. Some people feel deeply sad, while others notice very little emotion at all. Depression can also affect how we interpret our experiences, making setbacks seem more significant and positive experiences harder to recognise.

You may find yourself putting off tasks, cancelling plans or withdrawing from people because everything feels like too much effort. Over time, these changes can make life feel smaller and leave you with fewer opportunities for connection, enjoyment and a sense of accomplishment.

If low mood is persistent or affecting your daily life, speaking with a psychologist or GP can help you understand what might be happening and consider appropriate support.

What causes depression?

Depression usually develops through a combination of influences rather than one single cause. Biological factors, life experiences, relationships, stress and current circumstances can all contribute.

For some people, depression follows a difficult period involving grief, relationship breakdown, work pressures, financial strain or major life changes. For others, it develops more gradually, with no clear event that explains why they feel the way they do.

Factors that may contribute to depression include:

Ongoing stress and difficult circumstances. Prolonged pressure, limited opportunities for recovery or feeling trapped in an unsustainable situation can affect mood and wellbeing.

Relationships and social connection. Conflict, loneliness, loss or a lack of meaningful support can contribute to feelings of sadness and disconnection.

Patterns of thinking. Persistent self-criticism, guilt, hopelessness or a tendency to interpret difficulties as evidence of personal failure can intensify low mood.

Past experiences. Adverse experiences, trauma and longstanding patterns of relating to ourselves and others may influence how we respond to current difficulties.

Physical health and other factors. Sleep disruption, some medical conditions, medications and other health-related factors can affect mood. A GP can help assess whether medical considerations may be contributing.

Sometimes depression develops despite having a supportive family, a stable job or circumstances that appear positive from the outside. You do not need to justify your feelings or identify a particular cause before seeking help.

Understanding the factors involved can help you and your psychologist work out what may be maintaining your difficulties and where change might be possible.

How can a psychologist help with depression?

When you are feeling depressed, knowing what might help and finding the energy to do it can be two very different things.

You may understand that getting outside, reconnecting with friends or returning to activities could be beneficial, but still struggle to put those things into practice. You might also find yourself caught in patterns of self-criticism or hopelessness that make it difficult to see alternatives.

Psychological therapy offers an opportunity to explore these experiences, understand what may be contributing to them and work towards changes at a manageable pace.

At Westside Psych, our clinicians use evidence-based psychological approaches tailored to the individual. Therapy is not about telling you to think positively or simply try harder. It is about understanding your circumstances and working collaboratively towards meaningful change.

Depending on your needs, therapy may involve:

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). CBT can help you recognise patterns of thinking and behaviour associated with low mood. Together with your psychologist, you can explore alternative perspectives and develop practical ways of responding to difficulties.

Behavioural activation. Depression can make it harder to engage in activities that provide enjoyment, connection or a sense of achievement. Behavioural activation involves gradually rebuilding meaningful activity and routine, while taking account of your current energy and circumstances.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). ACT can help you develop a different relationship with difficult thoughts and feelings, while identifying values and taking steps towards what matters to you, even when motivation or mood is low.

Understanding self-criticism and longstanding patterns. For some people, depression is accompanied by harsh self-judgement, perfectionism, guilt or deeply held beliefs about their own worth. Therapy can help you explore these patterns and develop a more balanced relationship with yourself.

Working through difficult experiences. Where depression is associated with grief, relationship difficulties, trauma or significant life changes, therapy can provide space to understand these experiences and consider how you want to move forward.

Developing practical strategies for everyday life. This might include addressing sleep routines, managing responsibilities, communicating needs, reconnecting with supportive people or breaking overwhelming tasks into manageable steps.

The approach will depend on your circumstances, preferences and goals. Therapy may be relatively focused for some people, while others benefit from longer-term support.

The aim is not to expect you to feel better immediately or to make every difficult circumstance disappear. It is to help you understand what is happening, find workable ways to respond and gradually create more opportunities for connection, meaning and wellbeing.

Depression, stress and burnout

Depression can overlap with stress and burnout, and it is not always easy to distinguish between them.

Stress is often associated with demands or pressures that feel difficult to manage. Burnout is commonly associated with prolonged demands and inadequate opportunities for recovery, particularly in work or caring roles. Depression can involve more persistent changes in mood, interest, motivation and how you experience yourself and the world.

These experiences can occur together. A period of sustained stress may contribute to low mood, while depression can make everyday demands feel more difficult to manage.

Understanding the differences can help identify what kind of support might be useful. Sometimes this involves developing new coping strategies; at other times, it may require addressing unsustainable circumstances, seeking medical advice or exploring more longstanding difficulties.

If you have been feeling exhausted, disconnected or unable to recover despite taking breaks, it may be helpful to speak with a psychologist or GP about what you are experiencing.

Depression and neurodivergence

For autistic and ADHD adults, low mood can sometimes develop alongside the ongoing effort of navigating environments that do not accommodate their needs.

Sensory overload, executive functioning demands, social expectations, masking and repeated experiences of misunderstanding or exclusion can contribute to exhaustion and distress. It can also be difficult to distinguish between depression, burnout, chronic stress and the effects of trying to meet expectations that are not sustainable.

A neuroaffirming approach recognises that individual differences are not inherently problems to be fixed. Instead, therapy can explore what is contributing to distress, what support is missing and how your environment and daily routines might better accommodate your needs.

This may involve developing practical strategies, exploring self-criticism or past experiences, building supportive relationships and identifying changes that make everyday life more manageable.

At Westside Psychology, we aim to provide therapy that respects individual differences and takes each person's circumstances seriously. The focus is on understanding your experiences and supporting your wellbeing, rather than assuming there is one right way to live or function.

What to expect when you start depression therapy

Starting therapy can feel difficult when you are already low on energy or struggling to find the words to explain how you feel. You do not need to prepare a detailed explanation or know exactly what you want to change before your first appointment.

Your psychologist will work with you to understand what has been happening, how it is affecting your life and what you would like support with.

Together, you can identify priorities and decide on an approach that feels realistic. For some people, this might begin with understanding patterns of low mood and gradually rebuilding daily routines. For others, it may involve working through difficult experiences, addressing self-criticism or exploring changes in relationships or circumstances.

Progress is not always a sudden improvement in mood. It may begin with feeling a little more connected, finding it easier to complete everyday tasks, becoming less critical of yourself or having more energy to engage with the people and activities that matter to you.

Therapy is a collaborative process. You should be able to discuss your concerns, ask questions and work with your psychologist to find an approach that suits you.

At Westside Psychology, we believe good therapy is built on more than evidence alone. Feeling understood, respected and comfortable with your psychologist matters too.

Psychologists for depression in Footscray and Melbourne's inner west

Westside Psych is a Footscray-based psychology practice supporting people across Melbourne's inner west.

Our team provides evidence-based psychological therapy for a range of concerns, including depression, anxiety, stress, relationship difficulties and challenges associated with life transitions.

We aim to make seeking psychological support approachable, with experienced clinicians, an emphasis on individual needs and a commitment to neuroaffirming and LGBTIQA+ affirmative care.

Whether you have been struggling with low mood for some time or have recently noticed a change in how you feel, you are welcome to get in touch. You do not need to wait until things become unbearable to ask for support.

Thinking about speaking with a psychologist?

Contact Westside Psych to enquire about appointments and discuss whether working with one of our clinicians might be a good fit for you.

We are located in Footscray, close to Footscray Station, and welcome people from across Melbourne's inner west.

Frequently asked questions about depression therapy

When should I see a psychologist for depression?

You may find it helpful to see a psychologist when low mood, loss of interest, fatigue or feelings of hopelessness persist or begin to affect your daily life, relationships or work. You do not need to wait until symptoms become severe before seeking support.

Can a psychologist help with depression?

Yes. Psychological therapies such as CBT and behavioural activation can help people experiencing depression. Therapy can help you understand patterns contributing to low mood, develop practical strategies and work towards meaningful changes. Your psychologist can discuss what may be appropriate for your circumstances.

What is the difference between sadness and depression?

Sadness is a normal emotional response to many life experiences. Depression generally involves a broader or more persistent pattern of difficulties, which may include low mood, loss of interest, changes in sleep or appetite, reduced energy and difficulties with concentration or self-worth. A GP or qualified mental health professional can help assess what you are experiencing.

Can therapy help if I don't know why I'm depressed?

Yes. You do not need to identify a clear cause before starting therapy. Your psychologist can work with you to understand your experiences, explore possible contributing factors and identify practical ways forward.

How long does depression therapy take?

There is no single timeframe. Some people benefit from a relatively focused course of therapy, while others need longer-term support. The appropriate approach depends on the nature and severity of your difficulties, your circumstances and your goals.

Do I need medication to treat depression?

Not everyone experiencing depression needs medication. Psychological therapy may be helpful on its own or alongside other forms of treatment, depending on your circumstances. A GP can discuss medical assessment and medication options with you if appropriate.

Can I see a psychologist for depression without a diagnosis?

Yes. You can seek psychological support for low mood or other difficulties without having a formal diagnosis. A psychologist can help you understand your experiences and discuss suitable support.

Where can I find a depression psychologist in Footscray?

Westside Psych provides psychological therapy in Footscray for people across Melbourne's inner west. Contact our team to enquire about appointments and discuss which clinician may be suitable for your needs.

Westside Psych — speaking to someone about your mental health isn't a big deal.

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