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Understanding Depression: A Compassionate Guide for When Life Feels Heavy - Healing Connections Psychotherapy & Counselling- Nambour
- Amanda Baker
- Dec 22, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
By Amanda Baker | Psychotherapist & Counsellor – Teens, Individuals & Couples| Healing Connections Psychotherapy & Counselling, Nambour QLD
Depression is one of the most common mental health concerns worldwide, yet for many people it feels deeply personal, confusing, and isolating. Many clients who walk into therapy with “low mood,” exhaustion, or a sense of being stuck don’t necessarily see themselves as depressed—they simply know something isn’t right.
What’s important to acknowledge: Depression isn’t the same for everyone.
For some, it feels like a fog. For others, it’s heaviness, emptiness, irritability, overwhelm, or a deep sense of disconnection.
In this post, I want to gently unpack what depression is from a clinical perspective, what it may look like for you, why it shows up, and how therapy can support healing.
What Is Depression?
The word “depression” is often used casually:“I feel depressed today.”“I’m so down.”
In everyday conversation, we use it to describe sadness, stress, grief, or a flat mood.
Clinically, depression refers to a set of symptoms that can affect how you feel, think, and function.
These might include:
Persistent sadness or emptiness
Loss of interest or pleasure
Low energy or fatigue
Changes in sleep or appetite
Difficulty concentrating
Feelings of worthlessness
Increased irritability
Withdrawal from others
Rumination or worry
Thoughts of death or suicide
It can be mild and temporary, or severe and long-lasting. It can feel like a response to something stressful—or it may show up without an obvious cause.
Both experiences are valid.
How can we understand it?
Low mood often reflects the weight of life stressors, trauma, grief, or prolonged overwhelm. Depression in this view is not a “fault” or a “weakness”—it is a signal that something in life needs care, adjustment, or support.
Depression may have biological, hormonal, or neurological factors. It is important to understand your unique experience holistically to help support healing for the most effective outcomes. It is recommended that you also seek support from a trusted GP.
Why Does Depression Happen?
It may be:
Stress and life events
Biology and genetics
Trauma and early experiences
Social disadvantage
Physical health and chronic pain
Hormonal changes
Personality traits
Medications
Grief and loss
Depression also looks different across cultures, ages, and genders. For example, children often show irritability rather than sadness; many cultures express depression physically (fatigue, headaches, sleep changes) rather than emotionally.
Understanding how depression presents and what may be contributing to it is an important part of therapy—and always done collaboratively.
Depression and Suicide Risk
Depression can increase vulnerability to suicidal thoughts. This does not mean someone is “broken”—but it does mean that compassionate, non-judgemental support is essential.
Therapists routinely check for safety, not because there is something wrong with you, but because you deserve care, protection, and a plan for support.
If you think you or a loved one is at risk of harm please call lifeline 13 11 14 - operating 24/7 for crisis support.
Moving Forward: What Helps?
Holistic approaches utilising supports such as GP and your therapist.
Your therapist may help support:
Understanding your experience
Building gentle hope
Working toward meaningful goals
Making small, manageable changes
Identifying strengths and exceptions
Creating safety
Finding what works for you
Just as importantly, Counselling & Psychotherapy that honors your pace.
A Compassionate Reminder
Depression is not a personal failure. It is not a sign of weakness.
It is not forever.
With the right support, connection, and gentle curiosity, many people experience significant shifts in mood, functioning, and self-understanding.
If you or someone you care about is struggling, reaching out can be the first step toward relief, clarity, and emotional steadiness.
If you would like some extra support I am here to help you,
Ready to take the next step?
Click ‘ book now’ to secure an appointment with Amanda Baker at Healing Connections Psychotherapy & Counselling.
📍 Healing Connections Psychotherapy & Counselling
Operating in Independent consultancy rooms within Sankofa House
39 Howard St, Nambour QLD 4560
📞 0488 762 745
Content shared here is offered to inform, reflect, and support connection. This is not clinical advice.
It is not intended to diagnose, treat, or replace individual care.
If something you read resonates or raises concerns for you, reaching out to a trusted health professional may be a supportive next step
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