Depression & Low Mood
When life starts feeling heavier, flatter or harder to engage with.
Sometimes low mood is easy to connect with something that has happened. At other times, you may simply notice that you do not feel like yourself.
Things you would normally enjoy may feel less interesting. Everyday tasks can require more effort. You might withdraw from people, lose motivation or find yourself wondering why things that once felt manageable now seem so difficult.
For some people, depression feels like sadness. For others, it may feel more like emptiness, numbness, irritability, exhaustion or a sense that there is very little to look forward to.
You do not need to know exactly what is happening before seeking support.
Therapy can provide a space to understand what you are experiencing, explore what may be contributing to it and begin developing a way forward.
What Depression & Low Mood Can Feel Like
Depression and persistent low mood can affect the way you feel, think, behave and engage with everyday life.
You may notice that you:
feel flat, sad, empty or emotionally numb
have less interest or enjoyment in things you usually value
feel tired or find everyday tasks require much more effort
struggle with motivation or getting started
withdraw from friends, family or social activities
become more irritable or frustrated than usual
find it difficult to concentrate or make decisions
feel increasingly critical of yourself
experience guilt, hopelessness or a reduced sense of confidence
sleep more or less than usual
notice changes in appetite or everyday routines
put things off because everything feels too difficult or overwhelming
Not everyone experiences depression in the same way.
You may recognise only some of these experiences, or simply feel that something has changed and you would like support understanding it.
When Low Mood Starts Affecting Everyday Life
When your energy and motivation are low, it can become harder to do the things that would ordinarily give your day structure, connection or a sense of achievement.
You may stop seeing people, put off tasks, spend more time alone or gradually step away from activities you previously enjoyed.
At the same time, your thinking may become increasingly focused on what is going wrong, what you believe you should be doing differently or what your current difficulties seem to say about you.
None of this means that depression is simply a matter of thinking differently or trying harder.
Depression can be influenced by a combination of life circumstances, relationships, health, loss, stress and other personal factors. Therapy gives us an opportunity to understand your experience rather than assuming there is one explanation for everyone.
How Therapy May Help
Therapy can help you explore what is happening now, what may be contributing to how you feel and what would begin to make life feel more manageable or meaningful again.
Depending on your experience and goals, our work may involve:
recognising patterns of withdrawal or avoidance
understanding thoughts and beliefs that may be intensifying low mood
reducing excessive self-criticism or rumination
gradually reconnecting with activities, relationships and routines that matter to you
developing more useful ways of responding when motivation is low
addressing difficulties with confidence, boundaries or relationships where these are relevant
developing practical ways to manage stress and emotional overwhelm
identifying small, realistic steps rather than waiting until you feel completely motivated
strengthening your ability to respond more flexibly when difficult thoughts or emotions arise.
The aim is not to force yourself to “think positively.”
It is to better understand what is happening, develop practical ways of responding and gradually create more room for engagement, connection and purposeful action.
Therapy Alongside Other Support
The type of support that is appropriate for depression can vary depending on the person and the severity of what they are experiencing.
Psychological therapy may be used on its own or alongside support from your GP or other health professionals. Medication may also form part of treatment for some people.
If you are already receiving medical care or taking prescribed medication, therapy can work alongside that support.
ILAMOS does not prescribe or manage medication, and medication changes should always be discussed with your prescribing health professional.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
You do not need to wait until you feel more motivated or have everything figured out before you begin.
We can start by understanding what life has been feeling like for you, what has become difficult and what you would like to begin changing.
If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide or believe you may be in immediate danger, call Triple Zero (000). Lifeline is available 24 hours a day on 13 11 14. ILAMOS is not an emergency or crisis service.