Depression Support Resources
What is Depression?
A different way of feeling and coping
Depression is more than sadness. It’s a whole-body experience that can make everyday life feel heavy, tiring, and hard to navigate. For children, teens, and adults, depression can show up as withdrawal, irritability, loss of interest, or simply not having the energy to do the things they once enjoyed. Depression is not a personal failing or a sign of weakness. It’s often a natural response to stress, trauma, changes in brain chemistry, or ongoing challenges that feel overwhelming. With understanding, compassion, and the right supports, people can find relief, rebuild confidence, and reconnect with life.
Depression feels different for everyone
No two people experience depression in the same way. Some may feel persistently sad, while others feel empty, numb, or irritable. It can show up physically as fatigue, trouble sleeping, changes in appetite, or unexplained aches and pains. For children and teens, depression might look like anger, school refusal, withdrawal from friends, or loss of motivation. Not just sadness. Recognising these signs is the first step to providing gentle and effective support.
Support should offer safety and hope
People experiencing depression don’t need to be told to “cheer up” or “try harder.” They need connection, safety, and small, manageable steps toward feeling better. The right supports focus on building coping tools, addressing underlying challenges, and helping individuals rediscover moments of joy and purpose. With patience and steady encouragement, children, teens, and adults with depression can begin to heal and rebuild a positive sense of self.
Championing People with Depression
Depression can make life feel heavy, but it doesn’t define who someone is. Their strengths and potential are still there, even if they feel hidden. You don’t need to “fix” a person with depression. With understanding, patience, and the right supports, they can begin to feel lighter, reconnect with moments of joy, and rebuild confidence in themselves and their future.
Rebuilding confidence and connection
We nurture strengths and positive social connections, helping people rediscover enjoyment and belonging.
Supporting emotional awareness and regulation
We guide individuals in recognising feelings, managing overwhelm, and gently working through big emotions.
Developing coping tools for tough moments
Through therapy and practical strategies, we teach ways to handle negative thoughts, low energy, and feelings of hopelessness safely.
Encouraging healthy routines and self-care
We assist in developing small, achievable steps for daily structure, rest, and nourishing activities that support wellbeing.
Collaborating with schools, families, and professionals
We work with carers, educators, and healthcare providers to ensure consistent, compassionate support across home, school, and community settings.
How we can help with Depression?
Whole Family Developmental Support →
Coaching for families to recognise signs of depression and respond supportively
Strategies to create calm, positive home environments
Guidance for siblings and carers to offer safe, understanding support
Functional Capacity & Needs Assessments →
Assessments to understand how depression impacts daily life
Recommendations for supports in school, work, and community
Collaborative goal setting to rebuild confidence and independence
Skill-Building and Recovery Programs →
Coaching for self-care routines, social skills, and resilience building
Gradual re-engagement with school, work, and enjoyable activities
Support for setting achievable goals and celebrating progress
Positive Behaviour Support →
Behaviour plans that gently reintroduce meaningful activities
Practical strategies to manage withdrawal or lack of motivation
Training for carers and educators to respond with empathy and consistency
Psychology and Mental Health →
Therapy to explore feelings, build coping tools, and restore hope
Support for managing self-critical thoughts and emotional regulation
Trauma-informed, strength-based approaches tailored to each person
Regional Intensives →
In-home and community-based support for individuals in remote areas
Hands-on guidance for managing depressive episodes in daily routines
Building strong local networks for long-term emotional support
Say G’day today and we can work together to see what we can do to support you.
Hear it from real families
“Before we understood what was really going on for J, every day felt like a struggle. Our support workers were doing their best, but nothing seemed to click. It often felt like we were all trying to push J into doing things, and the more we pushed, the more he shut down.
When Brooke and her team explained Autism & PDA to us, it was like someone finally turned the light on. We realised he wasn’t being difficult, he was doing everything he could to feel safe and in control.
With Brooke’s help, our whole approach changed. His support workers stopped trying to force things and started meeting him where he’s at by giving him time, space, and choices.
Now, J’s so much more relaxed. He actually wants to spend time with his workers because they see him for who he is. He laughs more, joins in on his own terms, and doesn’t feel like he has to mask or meet anyone else’s expectations.
It’s been incredible to watch him grow into himself, just by being accepted”
- J’s Mum
*Story and photo shared with permission. Not for reproduction.
Real people. Real experience.
Here for you.
We’re not just professionals — we’re people who get it.
Our team is proudly autistic-led, trauma-informed, and shaped by lived experience. We’ve sat on both sides of the table — as clinicians, as family members, and many of us as neurodivergent individuals ourselves.
We understand that life isn’t always neat or easy, and behaviour support should never feel like a judgement or try to change who you are.