Why You’re Feeling Depressed — And How Therapy Can Help
- Rob McClintock
- Jun 8
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 9
It’s common to feel overwhelmed, flat, anxious, or like you’ve lost your spark. What you’re feeling is real—and you’re not alone. Depression and anxiety are among the most common mental health challenges in Australia. They affect how your brain processes emotions, how you respond to stress, and even how you see yourself. If you’re feeling stuck, disconnected or not like yourself, it’s time to know why—and how healing is possible.
What’s Happening in the Brain During Depression and Anxiety?
Depression and anxiety are not signs of weakness or failure. They are the brain’s response to long-term stress, trauma, or imbalance—and they can be deeply disruptive. But they are also treatable.
In depression, areas of the brain that regulate mood and motivation—like the prefrontal cortex and amygdala—can fall out of sync. This reduces important brain chemicals like serotonin and dopamine, making it harder to feel joy, energy or connection.
In anxiety, the brain’s “alarm system” becomes overactive. The amygdala can stay on high alert, even when there’s no real danger. This can make ordinary situations feel overwhelming and exhausting.
These are biological changes—not just “in your head.” The brain is flexible and capable of healing. With the right support, new patterns can form and lasting change is possible.
💚 You’re not broken. You’re just human.
Work With Someone Who’s Been There
As someone who’s lived through clinical depression, I know what it feels like to wake up every day with a weight you can’t explain. Over 15 years ago, I was diagnosed with depression—and it felt like the world became smaller, darker, and harder to navigate.
It’s this lived experience that led me to become a Mental Health Counsellor.
I wanted to create a space where people feel seen and understood. When clients hear that I’ve walked this path too, many tell me they feel a sense of relief and connection. That’s often where healing begins: in knowing you’re not alone.
How Depression Shows Up in Everyday Life
Depression can:
Make it hard to focus or get motivated
Affect your sleep and appetite
Drain the joy from relationships and hobbies
Leave you feeling guilty, numb or worthless
Make everyday decisions feel impossible
Many people suffer in silence, believing they need to “push through” or “stay strong.” But this approach often leads to burnout, isolation, or unhealthy coping strategies like substance use or withdrawal.
Breaking the Cycle of Negative Thinking
When I was deep in depression, the negative thoughts were constant—and convincing.
I believed I wasn’t enough. That nothing could change. That hope was for other people. If you’re stuck in this kind of thinking, please know: the brain is not fixed. With the right support, it can be rewired. Patterns can shift. Light can come back in.
What Therapy for Depression Looks Like
Therapy isn’t about quick fixes. It’s a process—and it works.
In my practice, I use client-centered, strengths-based approaches combined with psycho-dynamic therapy and somatic techniques. These help you uncover the “stories” and protective beliefs you’ve held onto—sometimes for years—that no longer serve you.
Therapy is a place to:
Safely explore what’s behind your thoughts and emotions
Learn tools to manage stress, panic, and depressive spirals
Reconnect with your values and goals
Build a life you don’t feel the need to escape
Finding the Right Therapist for You
Not every therapist is the right fit—and that’s OK. My job is to support you in finding the best path forward, even if that’s with someone else. If we discover during our sessions that you’d benefit more from another style or practitioner, I’ll refer you to someone I trust.
What matters most is that you feel comfortable, respected and supported.
Other Tools That Help Alongside Counselling
Movement – Gentle exercise can boost your mood and help regulate sleep
Mindfulness – A few moments of stillness each day calm the nervous system
Nutrition & Sleep – Your brain needs fuel and rest to function at its best
Support Network – Connection reduces isolation and restores perspective
Complementary therapies – Massage, acupuncture and bodywork can support healing
You Deserve Support. And There Is Hope.
Seeking help for depression isn’t a weakness—it’s a turning point. Whether you’re just starting to explore therapy, or you’ve tried before and felt it wasn’t the right fit, I invite you to reach out.
Let’s work together to create a recovery plan that makes sense for you.
💚 You’re not broken. You’re becoming.
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