One in five people will experience depression at some point in their life, with around one million Australians affected every year. Depression doesn’t discriminate -it can impact anyone, including high-performing professionals, parents, students, and even elite athletes.

Some of Australia’s most well-known sports stars, including Ian Thorpe, Leisel Jones, Libby Trickett, Darius Boyd, Dan Hunt, and Lance Franklin, have all spoken openly about their struggles with mental health. Seeking support from a psychologist for depression is common, normal, and effective.

Not All Depression Looks the Same

Depression isn’t just about feeling sad – it can manifest in different ways. Some people feel exhausted and withdrawn, sleeping more than usual and avoiding social interactions. Others turn to food, alcohol, or other coping mechanisms to numb emotional pain. Depression can also present with irritability, anxiety, frustration, or anger, making it hard to concentrate or connect with loved ones. For some, it brings overwhelming sadness, tearfulness, or a sense of hopelessness.

Even if depression doesn’t meet the criteria for a clinical diagnosis, low mood and persistent sadness can still impact daily life, relationships, and motivation. You don’t need to wait until things feel unbearable to seek support. Early intervention can make a significant difference.

Depression, low mood, sadness and it’s symptoms can be as unique as the people it affects.

The research also tells us that if you have depression you are more likely to feel guilty, and to blame yourself for being depressed. But that is not true.

Depression is no more someone’s fault than breaking an arm or leg could be.

And just like shouting at a broken arm won’t fix it, neither will shouting at yourself in the mirror.

If depression or low mood is affecting your energy, motivation, relationships, or daily life, there are effective treatments that can help. With the right support, many people regain their sense of self, rebuild confidence, and find joy again.

Learning to beat depression can be challenging, particularly because depression often robs people of motivation, energy and confidence.

Therapy can provide you with the knowledge and skills to overcome depression and get back to enjoying your life.

The symptoms of depression make life much more difficult to manage from day to day. We know that these symptoms can also make it more challenging to find the energy to seek help. We recommend seeking help from your GP as soon as possible, to check for underlying health problems which can cause depression.

When people feel low, they often experience the following symptoms :

When booking an appointment with our team, we also recommend speaking with your GP. Your GP can help assess any underlying factors – such as thyroid issues – and provide guidance on the best support options. They can also issue a referral so you can access Medicare rebates. We work in conjunction with GPs and psychiatrists to provide collaborative care, ensuring you receive the most comprehensive support tailored to your needs.

Your GP can:

Mindworx Psychology DOES NOT provide an emergency or instant response service.

When people are depressed they may have thoughts of hurting themselves or of ending their life. If you are having such thoughts please seek help immediately.

You can go to your local hospital emergency department, or if you are in Australia you can call the helplines listed here.