What is depression?

Depression is a mental health condition that commonly involves persistent low mood and loss of interest or pleasure in things a person previously enjoyed. Symptoms can vary in severity and may affect emotional wellbeing, physical energy, concentration, sleep, appetite and motivation. Healthdirect notes that these symptoms usually interfere with daily life and relationships, and that the low mood is generally present on most days for at least 2 weeks.

Common symptoms may include:

• ongoing sadness or low mood

• loss of interest or enjoyment

• low energy or fatigue

• poor sleep or sleeping too much

• changes in appetite

• poor concentration

• reduced confidence or self-esteem

• feeling hopeless, slowed down or overwhelmed.
  
  

How depression may affect daily function

Depression affects each person differently, but it may impact:

• energy and motivation

• confidence with movement or exercise

• sleep and daily rhythm

• self-care and routines

• work, study or parenting demands

• participation in home and community life

• concentration and task completion

• physical activity and general function

Depression can make tasks that once felt simple seem overwhelming. Support may be useful when low mood is affecting daily structure, activity levels, function and participation. Healthdirect specifically notes that depression affects how a person thinks, feels and behaves, and Black Dog Institute encourages seeking help when mood changes persist and begin affecting everyday life.

How Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health may help

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is not a primary treatment for depression itself, but it may help support people when depression is contributing to:

• low physical activity

• deconditioning

• poor confidence with movement

• fatigue-aware return to exercise

• reduced participation in daily life
  
  

Support may include:

• gentle movement and mobility support

• paced return to activity

• structured exercise for function

• graded physical conditioning

• support building routine and movement confidence
  
  

Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy may be relevant when depression is affecting:

• daily routines

• self-care

• fatigue management

• motivation for everyday tasks

• work, home or parenting roles

• participation in meaningful activities
  
  

OT may include:

• practical routine-building strategies

• pacing and energy management

• breaking tasks into more manageable steps

• support for function at home or in the community

• environmental or routine-based problem solving
  
  

Exercise Physiology

Exercise physiology may be appropriate for some people who need support with:

• graded return to exercise

• rebuilding strength and endurance

• developing a realistic physical activity plan

• improving confidence with activity

Exercise is not a replacement for mental health care, but for some people it can be a useful part of broader wellbeing support when introduced carefully and consistently.

Speech Pathology

Speech pathology is not usually relevant to depression itself unless there is a separate communication, swallowing or cognitive-communication issue that also needs support.

Important scope note

Depression is a mental health condition and may need support from a GP, psychologist, psychiatrist, counsellor or other mental health professional. Allied health at Palms does not replace mental health treatment. Our role is to support the person where depression is affecting function, routine, movement, fatigue, participation or day-to-day activity, and to work within a broader care team where appropriate.

If someone is in crisis, at immediate risk, or having suicidal thoughts, urgent medical or crisis support is needed. Healthdirect advises calling 000 in an emergency, and also lists Lifeline 13 11 14 and Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467 for immediate support in Australia.

Our approach

At Palms, we take a function-focused, goal-directed approach. That means we look at how depression is affecting the person in everyday life and what practical support may help. Therapy may focus on:

rebuilding confidence with activity

supporting routine and consistency

improving fatigue management

helping daily tasks feel more manageable

increasing participation in meaningful activities

supporting gradual return to movement and function

We also recognise that support often works best when it is coordinated with the person’s GP and mental health team where appropriate.

FAQ

What is depression?

Depression is a mental health condition that commonly involves persistent low mood and loss of interest or pleasure in everyday activities. It can affect thoughts, feelings, behaviour and daily function.

How is depression different from just feeling sad?

Most people feel low from time to time, but depression lasts longer and has a stronger effect on daily life. NHS guidance explains that depression is more than feeling unhappy for a few days and may last for weeks or months.

What are the symptoms of depression?

Symptoms may include low mood, loss of interest, fatigue, poor sleep, appetite changes, poor concentration and reduced self-esteem. Symptoms can vary widely between people.

Can depression affect physical function?

Yes. Depression can affect energy, activity levels, confidence, routine, concentration and day-to-day participation, which can also reduce physical function over time.

Can physiotherapy help with depression?

Physiotherapy does not treat depression itself, but it may help support people where low mood is contributing to reduced movement, deconditioning, fatigue or difficulty returning to activity.

Can occupational therapy help with depression?

Yes, in some cases. Occupational therapy may help when depression is affecting daily routines, self-care, fatigue management, motivation for tasks or participation in home, work or community life.

Can exercise help when someone has depression?

For some people, graded and realistic physical activity can be a helpful part of broader support, but it is not a replacement for mental health treatment. Healthdirect and Black Dog Institute both describe depression as a condition that may need proper treatment and support.

Should someone with depression also see a doctor or psychologist?

Often, yes. Depression may need support from a GP, psychologist, psychiatrist or other mental health professional. Allied health can support function, but does not replace mental health treatment.

When should someone seek urgent help?

Urgent help is needed if someone is at immediate risk, in crisis, or having suicidal thoughts. In Australia, call 000 in an emergency, Lifeline 13 11 14, or Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467.

Our role is to support functional goals, participation, regulation strategies and daily living needs as part of a broader care team. Diagnosis and mental health treatment should be guided by an appropriate medical or mental health professional. 

If depression is affecting your energy, routine, confidence with movement or day-to-day function, our team can discuss whether allied health support may be appropriate as part of your broader care.

Please visit these other websites for further information:

Beyond Blue – Provides support for anxiety, depression, and suicide prevention.

https://www.beyondblue.org.au

Lifeline Australia – Offers crisis support and suicide prevention services.

https://www.lifeline.org.au

Black Dog Institute – Provides information and resources on mood disorders, including depression.

https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au

Headspace – National youth mental health foundation providing early intervention mental health services to 12-25-year-olds.

https://headspace.org.au

Mental Health Australia – The national peak body representing and advocating for the mental health sector.

https://mhaustralia.org

SANE Australia – Provides information, support, and resources for people affected by mental illness.

https://www.sane.org

Australian Psychological Society – Offers resources and a directory for finding psychologists.

https://www.psychology.org.au

This Way Up – Provides online courses for managing anxiety and depression.

https://thiswayup.org.au

Mental Health First Aid Australia – Offers training programs in mental health first aid.

https://mhfa.com.au

Your Mental Health – A guide to understanding and managing mental health conditions.

https://www.yourmentalhealth.org.au

Important disclaimer: This webpage contains general information only and is not intended to be relied upon as personal clinical advice. While we aim to keep information accurate and up to date, it may not reflect the most current research or your individual circumstances. Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health does not accept liability for decisions made based on this information without an individualised assessment by an appropriately qualified health professional. If you have concerns, please contact us to book an assessment or speak with your GP/medical team.