Anxiety and depression are often experienced at the same time, but are two distinct conditions. If you’re experiencing five or more of these symptoms for two weeks or more, you could be dealing with depression.

• Persistently sad, gloomy and prone to crying spells
• Disinterested in activities, friends or family
• Feeling helpless and hopeless
• Tired, lacking in energy, and/or experiencing sleep challenges
• Overwhelmed and in despair
• Feeling worthless and consumed by guilt, regret or remorse
• Finding it hard to concentrate and function
• Eating significantly more or less than usual
• Experiencing a loss of sex drive and/or sexual problems
• Considering or inflicting self-harm
• Having recurrent thoughts of death or suicide

It can be hard to acknowledge feelings of depression, but please know that a diagnosis is not the end of your world; it can be the beginning of a new one.

In our clinical experience we find children display different symptoms.

Loss often underpins depression. That loss may come in the form of divorce, break up,  illness, job loss (and dissatisfaction), financial pressures, or death.

It may be related to postpartum depression, history of trauma or post traumatic stress.

Existing mental health conditions and a family history of depression may play a role.

Loneliness, low self-esteem, mental or emotional stress.

Spiritual emergency: arising from period of intense spiritual growth, changing values or a loss of purpose.

There are hidden, physical causes of depression: hormonal health, nutritional deficiencies, food intolerances, thyroid health, toxins like mould and heavy metals, poor digestive health and gut dysbiosis, an imbalance of good to bad bacteria.

Medication, or your brain’s biochemistry may play a role.

Our practitioners recognise depression is individual and complex, assessing seven factors: mind, body, emotions, environment, energy, spirit and community, to provide a personalised approach to your healing journey.

Our psychologists and counsellors work at a pace that you set – to understand the root of your depression and find useful coping mechanisms. Counselling and psychotherapy can provide you with a safe space to explore your thoughts, feelings and emotions deeply, freely and without judgement, or bias.

If your depression is more complex, connected to a pre-existing condition, trauma, or diagnosed as clinical depression, we recommend psychology or psychotherapy. These provide a structured depth-based approach to support you in navigating the complexities of your depression.

Our naturopaths rule out and treat contributing physical factors for depression. They use industry leading tests to confirm causes and define your treatment plan. They resolve contributing factors using high quality herbs, homeopathics and supplements. Our naturopaths work with you to make attainable adjustments to your diet and exercise regimen, with the aim of improving your quality of life.

Through gentle hands-on work, osteopathy, acupuncture and craniosacral therapy re-establish the flow of subtle energy, balancing body and mind to ease your nervous system.