Feeling Low

Depression is a common and often misunderstood mental health condition. It is not a chronic state of sadness which is an intense, vivid, and painful feeling. It is the opposite, it is a state of numbness, which is the absence of emotion.

Common Signs and Symptoms

Depression can look very different in different people. From the outside, a person who is experiencing depression can seem chronically tired, struggling to look after themselves and to do things that are important like going to work or seeing family and friends. Other times they may not look any different because they are pushing themselves to act like nothing is wrong. 

People with depression typically have negative views of themselves and the world around them. They can be highly self critical and/or hopeless about their future. Changes in appetite or sleep are also common, as are thoughts about self harm and suicide.

Depression can come on gradually and stay around for a long time in a milder form ‘dysthymia’ or have an episodic pattern where symptoms appear suddenly and are more severe ‘depressive episode’. 

If you’re experiencing several of these symptoms for more than two weeks, it may be time to seek support.

What Causes Depression?

Depression doesn’t have a single cause. It’s usually the result of a combination of factors, and no two people’s experiences are the same.

Sometimes there is a clear trigger for depression, such as a loss, but other times it can come on unexpectedly, often tied to ongoing stress, unmet emotional needs, or long-held beliefs about oneself and the world. It takes a little time and support to figure it out.

Psychologists work collaboratively to explore these underlying patterns and influences, helping you understand how your experiences have shaped you and to find a path forward.

How Psychologists Can Help 

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)

CBT helps you identify and shift unhelpful thinking patterns that contribute to depression, such as self-criticism, hopelessness, or black-and-white thinking. In therapy, you might learn how your thoughts influence your mood and behaviour, and practise more balanced, realistic ways of thinking. CBT also supports behavioural activation gradually re-engaging with meaningful activities to rebuild motivation and confidence.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

ACT focuses on building a different relationship with difficult thoughts and feelings. Instead of trying to get rid of negative emotions, ACT helps you make space for them while reconnecting with what matters to you. Therapy may include mindfulness practices, values exploration, and support for taking small, meaningful steps even when motivation is low.

Schema Therapy

Schema Therapy addresses deeper emotional patterns that often develop in childhood and continue into adulthood. These patterns, or “schemas,” might include beliefs like “I’m not good enough” or “I’ll always be alone.” In sessions, we explore the origins of these beliefs and how they influence your current relationships and self-view. Schema Therapy provides space to heal unmet emotional needs and strengthen your capacity for self-compassion, connection, and resilience.