Depression Counselling

Depression Counselling in Melbourne

Depression shapes how you think, relate to others, and move through the day. It runs deeper than a temporary low mood, touching emotions, physical health, and daily interactions in ways that can feel difficult to explain or make sense of.

At Humans Being Counselling in Malvern, our dedicated team of psychologists and counsellors offers professional support and guidance to help you navigate depression with a compassionate approach, focused on finding relief and reclaiming your well-being.

What is Depression?

Depression is a serious mental health condition that can significantly impact quality of life and daily functioning. It is characterised by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and helplessness that go beyond ordinary periods of low mood, and it responds well to the right support.

Depression can take a number of forms, including:

  • Major Depressive Disorder
  • Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia)
  • Seasonal Affective Disorder
  • Bipolar Disorder

It is also frequently linked with anxiety, and it’s common for people to be navigating both at the same time. If anxiety is part of what you’re experiencing, you can find out more about our anxiety counselling in Melbourne.

Signs and Symptoms of Depression

Depression can manifest differently from person to person. Feelings of sadness or tearfulness are common, but so are numbness, flatness, irritability, or a sense of disconnection.

Common signs of depression include:

  • Feelings of sadness or hopelessness that persist for a prolonged period
  • Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed
  • Changes in appetite and weight, either a decrease or increase
  • Insomnia or excessive sleeping
  • Feeling fatigued or lacking energy
  • Difficulty concentrating, making decisions, or remembering details
  • Physical symptoms such as headaches and body aches
  • Thoughts of death or suicide

You might also notice more subtle warning signs, such as withdrawing from people or social situations, becoming more irritable or short-tempered, or engaging in behaviours that feel numbing or escapist.

Not everyone will experience all of these. If some of this feels familiar, and it’s been going on for a while, it may be worth reaching out.

How Depression Affects You

Depression can have a significant impact across many areas of life.

  • Mental Health: Depression can lead to anxiety, low self-esteem, difficulty concentrating, loss of interest in once-enjoyable activities, and persistent feelings of hopelessness.
  • Relationships: It can make it difficult to maintain healthy connections, leaving people feeling isolated or unable to communicate their emotions, and placing strain on existing relationships.
  • Work: Depression can affect productivity, concentration, and attendance, and often brings with it feelings of worthlessness and a lack of motivation.
  • Physical Health: Physical symptoms are common, including disrupted sleep, changes in appetite and weight, headaches, fatigue, and increased susceptibility to illness.

How Depression Counselling Works at Humans Being

Our approach to depression counselling begins with understanding you as a whole, taking into account your history, relationships, and your current circumstances. Sessions move at a pace that feels manageable, with no fixed timeline and no expectation to cover everything at once.

At Humans Being use a formulation-based approach, drawing on therapies including:

  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
  • Psychodynamic Therapy
  • Schema Therapy
  • Interpersonal Therapy

If something isn’t working, we talk about it and adjust. Finding a therapist you feel comfortable with is central to the process, and we bring genuine care and honesty to every session.

Finding the Right Level of Support

Counselling for depression is one form of support, and it might not be the right starting point for everyone. If you’re finding it difficult to get through the day, feeling overwhelmed, or struggling with thoughts of self-harm or suicide, our initial focus may be on stabilisation and connecting you with the most appropriate care. We discuss this openly and help you explore the right options.

Our Melbourne psychologists provide personalised support and evidence-based depression treatment. Take the first step and get in touch today.

For additional support options, learn more about our psychologist and counselling services in Malvern.

Immediate Support and Crisis Resources

The services listed below offer free, confidential support, and some are available around the clock. If you are in immediate danger, please call 000.

OrganisationContact Number
Lifeline
24/7 national crisis support
13 11 14
Beyond Blue
Support for anxiety, depression, and mental wellbeing
1300 22 4636
13 YARN
24/7 crisis support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
13 92 76
Black Dog Institute
Support services including resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
13 11 14
Kids Helpline
24/7 phone and online counselling for people aged 5 to 25
1800 55 1800
Suicide Call Back Service
Phone and online counselling for people affected by suicide
1300 659 467
StandBy Support After Suicide
Ongoing support for people bereaved or impacted by suicide
1300 727 247
Roses in the Ocean
Peer support for people with lived experience of suicide bereavement
1800 77 7337
Medicare Mental Health Phone Service
Free support from trained professionals, Mon–Fri 8:30am to 5:00pm
1800 595 212

You can also find a full list of free mental health and wellbeing supports at: Mental Health and Wellbeing Support

This page was last reviewed on 2 June 2026 by Jeremy Neumann, Clinical Director and Accredited Mental Health Social Worker (AMHSW), at Humans Being Counselling, to ensure clinical accuracy and ethical alignment.