Life has a funny way of giving us unexpected highs and lows, but some situations can feel overwhelmingly heavy, as though there’s no end in sight. Depression is a persistent raincloud and can affect your daily life, so if you feel like you’ve been struggling, it might be time to explore something like depression counselling—but how would you know if this really might be the time you need help? Here are some key signs to consider.

What is depression counseling?

Depression counseling is a professional and guided process designed to help individuals understand, manage, and overcome these feelings of depression. These counsellors are professionally trained to give a safe space where you can openly share what you’re feeling and thinking.

Here are some signs that depression counseling might feel like a safe space for you:

  • If you feel sad in a way that it feels like a lack of hope or emptiness clouds your ability to see solutions to what you are feeling.
  • If completing everyday tasks feels monumental, and not just because of physical exhaustion.
  • If the smallest of things that make you happy feel meaningless and do not make you feel reinvigorated.
  • If you are having sleeping patterns different than what is normal to you, like excessive sleeping or not sleeping at all.
  • If there are voices in your head telling you that you are not good enough and you cannot stop these thoughts.
  • If you are struggling to keep yourself close to the people who support you because of the impending feeling of guilt,.
  • If you are finding it hard to cope with minor challenges and stress gets into your everyday life.
  • If there is a great change in your weight, as well as your eating habits.
  • If you are experiencing physical pain without any explanation for it.
  • And if you thought about giving up the life you are living because you feel like it is not worth it anymore.

Why Australians Should Consider Depression Counseling

Regardless of where you are in the world, the fast-paced life that we are currently living poses a significant demand in our daily lives, along with the responsibilities that come along with it. It’s understandable that we can feel the pressures of staying present to our responsibilities, and as humans, we cannot always say that we need to toughen ourselves up in every situation that we face.

The best part of living in Australia is that our government actively supports a lot of mental health initiatives, especially for those people who are seeking help but have no financial means to do so. Depression counseling offers a culturally sensitive and personalised approach to make sure that you feel heard and supported in your journey.

Our mental health struggles are not a sign of weakness.

The best person to seek healing is not the counsellors, but you yourself. Take the first step and embrace the support available to you. You don’t have to do this alone.