At Chrysalis Psychology & Wellbeing, our psychologists in Hobart help children, young people, and adults understand depression and find their way back to steadier, more hopeful days. We also provide telehealth psychology across Australia for people who cannot attend in person.
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You wake up tired. Not the kind of tired that sleep fixes. The kind that sits deep in your bones and makes the simplest things feel like too much.
Getting dressed takes effort. Replying to a message feels impossible. The things that used to make you happy just do not land anymore. You go through the motions, but inside, something has gone quiet.
If you recognise yourself in those words, please know you are not imagining it. And you are not weak.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing (2020–2022) found that 7.5 per cent of Australians (approximately 1.5 million people) experienced an affective disorder, including depression, in the previous 12 months [1]. Beyond Blue reports that depression affects one in seven Australians at some point in their lifetime [2].
Depression is not just sadness. It is a shift in how your brain processes energy, emotion, and motivation. It affects how you think, how you feel in your body, and how you move through the world.
Depression might look like:
The World Health Organisation identifies depression as a leading cause of disability globally [3]. In Australia, depression is the second most common group of mental disorders after anxiety [1]. Depression is treatable, and the earlier support is sought, the better the outcomes tend to be.
Adults often develop depression during periods of stress, burnout, grief, health difficulties, or significant life change. Many people describe feeling flat, disconnected, or emotionally distant, even while continuing to meet their responsibilities at work or at home.
You might notice:
The ABS data shows that females experienced higher rates of affective disorders than males (8.6 per cent compared with 6.5 per cent) [1]. The Australian Psychological Society recognises CBT and behavioural activation as effective, first-line treatments for depression [4].
At Chrysalis Psychology & Wellbeing, our psychologists help adults understand what is driving their depression and learn practical, evidence-based strategies that support emotional recovery and reconnection with meaningful parts of life. Our psychologists also offer telehealth sessions Australia-wide.
Children and teenagers do not always show depression the way adults do. They might not say, “I feel depressed.” Instead, you might notice a child who has gone quiet. A teenager who has stopped seeing friends. A young person whose grades have dropped without explanation.
In younger children and adolescents, depression can look like:
The Young Minds Matter survey found that around 5 per cent of young Australians aged 4 to 17 experience a major depressive disorder in any given year [5].
At Chrysalis Psychology & Wellbeing, we work at a pace that suits each young person, helping them understand their emotions, build coping skills, and regain confidence and connection. See our individual psychology services page for more information.
Our approach is practical, compassionate, and grounded in research that works.
We explore the factors contributing to depression and how they interact with your thoughts, emotions, and daily routines.
You will learn tools for managing low mood, increasing motivation step by step, and breaking the cycles that keep depression going.
We help you recognise emotional patterns, respond more flexibly, and build confidence in managing difficult moments.
A key part of recovery involves gradually rebuilding engagement with activities, relationships, and values that bring meaning and energy back into your life.
Our psychologists use CBT, behavioural activation, acceptance-based approaches, and emotion-focused therapy. These methods are recommended by the Australian Psychological Society [4].
Your first session is about understanding. We listen to what is happening for you, how things show up in your day, and what you hope to change. Together we create a plan that feels clear, supportive, and manageable.
Therapy at Chrysalis Psychology & Wellbeing moves at a pace that feels safe while still supporting steady progress. You remain in control of the process.
Sessions with our psychologists are available face-to-face at our Battery Point rooms in Hobart, Tasmania, and via telehealth for clients anywhere in Australia. Our psychologists are experienced in working with Medicare Mental Health Treatment Plans, DVA, NDIS (self-managed and plan-managed), WorkCover, and private health insurance.
[1] Australian Bureau of Statistics (2023). National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing, 2020–2022. https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/health/mental-health/national-study-mental-health-and-wellbeing/latest-release
[2] Beyond Blue (2024). Depression: Facts and figures. https://www.beyondblue.org.au/mental-health/depression
[3] World Health Organisation (2023). Depressive disorder (depression): Key facts. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/depression
[4] Australian Psychological Society (2018). Evidence-based Psychological Interventions in the Treatment of Mental Disorders. https://psychology.org.au/for-the-public/psychology-topics/evidence-based-psychological-interventions
[5] Lawrence, D. et al. (2015). The Mental Health of Children and Adolescents. Department of Health, Canberra. https://www.health.gov.au/resources/collections/the-mental-health-of-children-and-adolescents
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