Contributor: Angelique Foran
Director and Clinical Psychologist, Supported Minds Psychology
Posted: Oct 01 2025
In Australia, 1 in 7 people will experience depression in their lifetime1, and globally, over 264 million people are affected by it.2 These numbers highlight just how common and widespread depression is, yet it can often feel like a deeply isolating experience.
Depression is more than just feeling sad - it’s a persistent sense of sadness or emptiness that can last for weeks or longer. It can feel all-consuming, making even the simplest tasks seem overwhelming and impacting your ability to enjoy life.
Signs and symptoms of Depression
Recognising the signs of depression is the first step toward seeking help. According to Beyond Blue, some common symptoms include:
- Feeling overwhelmed or unable to cope.
- Withdrawing from close family and friends.
- Struggling to complete daily tasks.
- Feeling tired, run down, or experiencing physical symptoms like headaches and muscle pain.
- Sleep disturbances, such as insomnia or oversleeping.
- Changes in appetite, leading to significant weight loss or gain.
If you’re noticing these symptoms in yourself or someone you care about, it’s important to take them seriously. Beyond Blue offers an anxiety and depression checklist that can provide further insight into what you may be experiencing.
When should you seek professional support?
It’s normal to feel down or overwhelmed occasionally, but if these feelings persist for more than two weeks, it’s time to seek help. The effects of depression can have a big impact on your daily life. Depression can influence how you function day-to-day, your work, your relationships, and your overall sense of well-being. That’s why it’s so important to seek the right support - so you can navigate these challenges and start feeling and functioning better in your daily life.
Talking to a trusted friend or family member can be a helpful first step. While it may feel daunting, especially if you’re struggling with low self-worth, sharing your thoughts can provide relief and perspective.
If symptoms persist, visiting your GP is a crucial next step. They can assess your situation and guide you toward the right support and treatment options.
Treatment options and strategies
Depression is highly treatable, and the right approach will vary from person to person. Here are some effective strategies and treatments:
- Lifestyle changes: Eating a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule can significantly improve mood and energy levels.
- Building mental resilience: Practising mindfulness, gratitude, or relaxation techniques can help you manage stress and negative thoughts.
- Therapy: Evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) or mindfulness-based therapy can provide tools to challenge unhelpful thought patterns.
- Medication: In some cases, antidepressant medication may be recommended by your doctor to help manage symptoms.
- Apps and tools: Apps like Headspace and Smiling Mind offer guided meditations, while wellbeing tracking apps can help you monitor your progress.
Your GP or mental health professional will work with you to create a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Online resources and support
If you’re not ready to see a professional in person or need immediate support, there are many free and confidential resources available:
| Beyond Blue | Call 1300 224 636 for 24/7 phone support, online chat, and resources. |
| Medicare Mental Health | A government initiative connecting you to trusted digital mental health services. |
| Lifeline | Call 13 11 14 or the Suicide Call Back Service at 1300 659 467 for 24/7 crisis support. |
| PANDA | Supporting new and expecting parents, call 1300 726 306 (Mon-Sat, 9am-7:30pm). |
| Kids Helpline | Free, confidential 24/7 counselling for young people aged 5-18 at 1800 551 800. |
A Note from Angelique Foran
As a clinical psychologist, I’ve seen firsthand how challenging depression can be, but I’ve also witnessed the incredible resilience and recovery that’s possible with the right support. Remember, you don’t have to face this alone. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
If you’re struggling, take that first step - whether it’s talking to a loved one, reaching out to a helpline, or booking an appointment with a professional. Supported Minds Psychology is there to help you navigate this journey with compassion and evidence-based care.
If you or someone you know is experiencing depression, don’t wait to seek support. Book an appointment with Supported Minds today, or visit their website for more information.
To support the mental health of our members and better enable timely support, Health Partners have partnered with Supported Minds Psychology to provide priority access to exclusively reserved appointments for all Health Partners members.
The Supported Minds practice is conveniently located in Health Partners' current health hub at 101 Pirie Street Adelaide, and offers in-person and telehealth appointments.
Members save $25 on individual session rates, some exclusions apply. Call Supported Minds Psychology for a quote on 08 7081 5855.
Reaching out can make all the difference.
In support of Mental Health Awareness month, we’ve teamed up with local mental health advocates, Breakthrough Mental Health Research Foundation, to create ‘Choose your check-in’ – a free guide to help you connect with someone you care about, and navigate meaningful conversations that could save a life.
Posted: Oct 01 2025
Disclaimer
The information contained here is of a general nature and does not take into account your personal medical situation. The information is not a substitute for independent professional medical advice and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or used for therapeutic purposes. Should you require specific medical information, please seek advice from your healthcare practitioner. Health Partners does not accept any liability for any injury, loss or damage incurred by use of or reliance on the information provided.
While we have prepared the information carefully, we can’t guarantee that it is accurate, complete or up-to-date. And while we may mention goods or services provided by others, we aren’t specifically endorsing them and can’t accept responsibility for them.
© Copyright Health Partners. 2025 All Rights Reserved.
Health Partners is committed to providing quality and affordable health care, and we value our members and our obligation to protect your privacy. As part of our responsibility in protecting your privacy, from time to time we review our policies to ensure we are meeting our obligations. We have recently made some updates to our Privacy Policy. Please click here to view the Health Partners Privacy Policy.
© Copyright Health Partners. 2025 All Rights Reserved.
Health Partners is committed to providing quality and affordable health care, and we value our members and our obligation to protect your privacy. As part of our responsibility in protecting your privacy, from time to time we review our policies to ensure we are meeting our obligations. We have recently made some updates to our Privacy Policy. Please click here to view the Health Partners Privacy Policy.