Depression and low mood
What is depression and low mood?
We can all feel a little down sometimes, which is a normal part of our emotional repertoire. However depression however is more than feeling a little flat or blue. Depression is a common mental health condition that affects how you feel, think, and function.
Depression is more than feeling sad, it’s a persistent change in mood and energy. It’s when that heavy, low feeling sticks around for weeks, not days, and starts to affect your whole life. Low mood is a common symptom of depression. Everyone has ‘blue’ days and can feel down sometimes. Especially after dealing with something stressful, disappointing, confronting, upsetting or even for no clear reason at all.
Low mood often improves on its own within a few days or weeks. However, if it persists it might be time to seek support from a depression psychologist Melbourne. We’re here to help, so please contact us to find out more. We offer face-to-face as well as telehealth psychologists in Melbourne. There is a good evidence-base for treatments for depression, and some of these therapies include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialetical Behaviour Therapy or Schema Therapy.
Signs and symptoms of depression and low mood
If you’re feeling down or like you’re struggling to cope, Beyond Blue has a free hotline you can call for phone support, and online resources. The Black Dog Institute is a corporation who support people and organisations to support their community with mental health issues. They have resources as well as digital tools and apps available online. Finally, the Centre for Clinical Intervention has free modules you can work through by yourself to support low mood. This is based on CBT treatment.
Physical symptoms of depression
- Feeling nervous or jittery
- Feeling sick, or like you have butterflies in your stomach
- A racing heart
- Rapid breathing or difficulty breathing
- Feeling shaky or sweaty
- Chest tightness
- Muscle tension
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Tingling or numbness
- Changes in sleep or appetite
Psychological symptoms of depression
- Persistent sadness, emptiness, or irritability
- Loss of interest or pleasure in things you usually enjoy
- Difficulty concentrating
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or hopelessness
- Sometimes, thoughts of death or suicide
- Feeling sad, tired, or worried
- Irritability or frustration
- Low confidence
- Trouble sleeping
- Less interest in usual activities
So, what can I do?
Sometimes, low mood can fall outside of what is the expected range, or last for too long. If you find that depression is becoming difficult to manage, it might be time to seek help. Our psychologists are able to work with you to understand the reasons for your depression and to help you to manage it.
Get in touch to find a psychologist near me or to find a depression psychologist in Melbourne.
Medicare rebates are available, and we offer telehealth appointments. We also have Workcover psychologists, TAC psychologists and offer telehealth psychologists.
Psychology FAQs
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Please get in touch today to have a chat to our friendly team so we can match you with an appropriate psychologist. If you are an existing client, you can book online.