The short answer: everyone has low days, but if you’ve felt down, flat or lost interest in things for two weeks or more, and it’s affecting how you cope, it’s a good time to get support. A good first step is your GP. Counselling, and for some people hypnotherapy, can then be part of the support around you.
Low mood vs depression: what’s the difference?
Low mood is common. It often follows a stressful time, a loss, poor sleep or a rough patch at work or home, and it usually lifts as things settle. Depression is different. It hangs around, it affects most of your day, and it starts to get in the way of work, relationships and looking after yourself.
Healthdirect suggests seeing a health professional if symptoms last two weeks or more, or if low mood is affecting how you cope at home, work or school.
Common signs of depression
How you feel
- sad, teary, overwhelmed or hopeless
- irritable or quick to anger
- guilty, worthless or low in confidence
- losing interest or enjoyment in things you used to like
What you do
- pulling back from friends, family and hobbies
- not replying to messages from people close to you
- getting less done at work or study
- drinking more alcohol
How your body feels
- sleeping badly, or feeling tired all day
- changes in appetite or weight
- headaches, aches or a churning stomach
- finding it hard to concentrate
You don’t need to tick every box. If several of these sound familiar and they’ve stuck around, it’s worth talking to someone. (Source: healthdirect.)
When to see your GP
Your GP is a good place to start. They can check your physical health (some medical issues can affect mood), talk through how you’ve been feeling, and explain your options. That may include a referral, medication, or support such as counselling. GPs have these conversations every day, so there’s no need to have the right words ready.
If you’re having thoughts of suicide, don’t wait. Call Lifeline on 13 11 14, or 000 if you’re in danger.
How counselling can help
Counselling gives you a private space to talk about what’s been going on, without needing to hold it together for anyone. Together we look at what’s feeding the low mood, such as stress, grief, relationship strain or past experiences, and build practical ways to cope day to day. Sessions can draw on approaches such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). Learn more about counselling at Bloom.
Where hypnotherapy fits
For some people, hypnotherapy can be a helpful addition alongside counselling and their GP’s care. It uses a calm, focused state to help you relax, work with unhelpful thought patterns and practise new ways of responding. It isn’t a replacement for medical care, and it’s not the right fit for everyone. Everyone’s experience is different, and we’d talk about whether it suits you first. For a closer look at the evidence, read Can hypnotherapy help with depression?
Small steps that can help in the meantime
- tell one person you trust how you’ve been feeling
- keep a regular sleep and wake time where you can
- get outside and move your body, even for a short walk
- go easy on alcohol, which can make low mood worse
- book that GP appointment, even if it feels like a big step
Need help now? If you’re having thoughts of suicide or feel unsafe, call Lifeline on 13 11 14, text 0477 13 11 14, or call Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636. If life is in danger, call 000 or go to your nearest emergency department.
Getting support at Bloom
Bloom offers counselling and hypnotherapy for depression in person in Yarrabilba, near Logan, Jimboomba and Beenleigh, or online anywhere in Australia. No referral is needed. Book a session or call 0451 119 353.
