Depression is more than a bad week. When low mood, flatness or hopelessness settles in and starts to drain the things that used to matter, talking to a practitioner is a practical first step.
Affective (mood) disorders, which include depression, affected 7.5% of Australians aged 16–85 in the previous 12 months, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing 2020–22.
Evidence-based therapies for depression focus on the links between what you do, what you think and how you feel. CBT works on the patterns that keep mood low and rebuilds activity and connection; ACT helps you move towards what matters even when motivation is absent; where depression follows loss, trauma or long-standing patterns, grief-informed, trauma-focused and psychodynamic approaches may be used. Therapy can sit alongside GP care and, where relevant, medication.
Practitioners choose the approach that fits you — see each profile for the approaches they use, or read the plain-language guide to types of therapy. Further reading: Beyond Blue — depression.
Only an assessment can say, but a useful rule of thumb is duration and reach: if low mood has lasted more than a couple of weeks and is affecting sleep, work, relationships or your sense of yourself, it is worth talking to someone.
Not to book — you can contact any practitioner directly. Seeing your GP is worthwhile anyway: they can rule out physical causes and, if you want Medicare rebates, prepare a Mental Health Treatment Plan.
You don't need to have the words ready. The first session is about understanding what's going on for you, at your pace.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call Lifeline on 13 11 14, or 000 in an emergency. OneBodyMind is not a crisis service. Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636.