Online Depression Therapy

What is depression?

We all can feel low or sad from time to time; this is a normal part of life. However, if these feelings stay for more than two- weeks, represent a change from the person you usually are and cause significant distress in your life they could be a sign of depression.

Depression is common and can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender or background. It negatively affects how you think, feel and behave and not something you can “snap out of”, even with your best efforts.

Depression goes beyond feeling sad or having a bad day; it’s a persistent feeling of sadness, loss of interest, or pleasure in activities you once enjoyed. These feelings are intense and last for periods of time, interfering with your life, social activities, relationships, work or start of study/schooling.

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Ready to see if we are a good fit? Please call us on 0494 316 395 or email info@bonnacipractice.com.au

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Common symptoms of depression

Everyone experiences depression uniquely. Below are some some common signs of depression.

Persistent Low Mood:Feeling down, sad, empty, or tearful for most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks. In adolescents, this may appear as irritability.

Loss of Interest: A significant decrease in interest or pleasure in activities you once found enjoyable, such as spending time with family/friends, hobbies or sports.

Fatigue or Loss of Energy: Being constantly tired or drained of energy nearly every day, even after resting.

Feelings of Worthlessness or Excessive Guilt: Feeling useless, inadequate, or excessively guilty about things. Dwelling on past failures or self-blame.

Changes in Appetite or Weight: A decrease or increase in appetite nearly every day or weight loss when not dieting or weight gain (e.g., a change of more than 5% of body weight in a month).

Sleep Difficulties: Hypersomnia (sleeping too much) nearly every day and still feeling tired or insomnia (difficulty falling or staying asleep).

Changes in Thinking, Speaking or Movement: Restlessness or noticeable slowing down of physical and mental activity (observable by others), difficulty concentrating.

Difficulty Thinking, Concentrating or Making Decisions: Trouble focusing, remembering things, or even making simple decisions.

Suicidal Thoughts: Suicidal ideation (with or without a specific plan) or a suicide attempt or thoughts about death.

Ready to see if we are a good fit? Please call us on 0494 316 395 or email info@bonnacipractice.com.au

The most common types of depression

There are six main types of depression

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): Depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day during a 2-week period – a significant change from a individuals previous functioning..

Persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia): A more chronic or long-lasting type of depression, lasting for at least 2 years (however, less severe than MDD).

Prenatal and postnatal depression: Peripartum or postpartum depression can manifest when someone experiences depressive symptoms during pregnancy or in the four weeks following delivery of their child. This is different to “baby blues” that most mothers experience after childbirth.

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD): Persistent low mood that occurs during specific seasons of the year— for example, winter.

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD): When a individual experience several distressing symptoms in the final week to their period.

Bipolar disorder: Individuals experience extreme highs (mania) and lows (depression). During the highs, individuals feel extremely happy and energetic, however, during the lows, they feel sad and depleted.

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The most common causes of depression

Depression doesn’t have a single cause. Everyone experiences low mood or depressive symptoms uniquely. Some of the factors that may contribute to depression include:

Genetics: Having a family history of depression may increase your risk.
Stressful Life Events: Significant loss, trauma, relationship problems, financial difficulties and major life changes may activate depression in some individuals.
Isolation and Lack of Support: Feeling lonely or isolated may increase the risk of depression.
Physical Health Challenges: Chronic pain or illnesses may increase the risk of depression.
Personality Traits: Chronic low self-esteem, being overly self-critical, and a tendency to worry, may make you more vulnerable to depression.
Hormonal Changes: Fluctuations in hormones, such as during pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause, may activate depression.
Substance Use: Alcohol and illicit drug use may worsen or activate depressive symptoms.

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Treatment for depression

Depressive disorders are treatable, with varying treatment by the specific type of depression. Therapy can support you to understand the root cause of your depressive symptoms, learn short-term coping techniques, and skills for the longer-term. Seeking treatment for depression can lead to positive outcomes:

Understanding where your depression is coming from
Developing depression coping skills
Engaging in activities that you enjoy
Feeling more like yourself again

Depression is treatable, and with the right support, it is possible to feel better. There isn’t a definitive list of things that a person can do to treat depression as everyone’s experience with depression is unique, and there are contributing factors that vary greatly from person to person. It can be helpful to see a therapist who can provide you with skills and tools to manage your unique depressive experience. At Bonacci Practice we can help you develop skills to deal with your depression.

Telehealth Online Mental Health Support Services

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What happens in the first session? Do I need to prepare?

Your initial appointment will last 50–60 minutes. This session is an opportunity for us to get to know you, discuss your challenges, identify what you would like to change, and review what has helped you in the past. You are welcome to bring notes or simply arrive as you are; we will proceed at your pace. Please ensure you complete the online intake and consent forms prior to the session. Appointments are available via secure telehealth across Australia.

Can depression improve without therapy?

Mild symptoms may improve with lifestyle changes and social support. However, when symptoms are persistent or significantly impact your quality of life, professional support can provide structured strategies and reduce the risk of symptoms worsening.

What are the signs that I may need support for depression?

If you have experienced a low mood, fatigue, or a loss of interest for more than two weeks, and these symptoms are affecting your work, relationships, or daily functioning, it may be beneficial to speak with a psychologist. You do not need to wait until symptoms become severe to seek support.

How long does therapy take?

The duration of therapy varies based on your specific goals, the severity of your symptoms, and your personal circumstances. Some individuals benefit from short-term, structured therapy, while others prefer longer-term support. We will discuss this collaboratively during your first session.