Male covert depression often goes unnoticed because it doesn’t look like what we typically expect depression to look like. Rather than overt sadness, it can present as irritability, emotional withdrawal, overworking, numbness, or a growing sense of disconnection—both internally and within intimate relationships.

Influenced by cultural expectations around masculinity, many men learn early to suppress vulnerability and prioritise competence over emotional expression. Over time, this disconnection can harden into a quiet but pervasive form of depression that impacts not only the individual, but also their partner and family life.

This work explores the hidden nature of male covert depression, how it shows up in relationships, and why understanding it is essential for healing, emotional intimacy, and long-term relational health.

Self esteem affects the relationship with have with ourselves, how we feel about ourselves and the world around us and it is intimately connected to the quality of our relationships.

The experience of Relational Trauma can give rise to any number of adaptive behaviours. Because of our genius when we are young (don’t worry, I still think you’re brilliant) it is natural for us to create adaptations when we experience something that feels overwhelming for us.

Relationship Counselling Cairns can support you to develop greater connection, heal past hurt, understand and prevent painful patterns, and increase your relational skills and esteem in your relationship. Contact Biannka Brannigan, Cairns Relationship Counsellor, Educator and Psychotherapist.

Self-esteem, the way we perceive ourselves and our worth, is a complex and ever-evolving aspect of our lives. It plays a significant role in shaping our thoughts, behaviours, and interactions with the world around us.  Self-esteem can be both healthy and unhealthy. Here we focus on the unhealthy patterns of self-esteem and the impact on the relationship we have with ourselves and those closest to us. Contact Biannka, Cairns Counselling and Psychotherapy.

Gestalt Psychotherapy is a holistic, humanistic therapy that believes that people are born with the resources and abilities to lead a rewarding and creative life and to have meaningful and fulfilling relationships with others. Gestalt psychotherapy has been applied to a wide range of therapeutic settings, including individual therapy, couples therapy, group therapy, organizational development, community development and family therapy. Gestalt Psychotherapy is dynamic, powerful and life changing. Book your appointment with Biannka, psychotherapist and councillor in Cairns, Kuranda, Queensland, Australia.

The importance of self-worth and self-esteem in our lives extends far beyond individual well-being. These two pillars influence the quality of our relationships, guiding us towards forming meaningful connections with others. When we embrace our inherent worthiness, we set healthier boundaries, fostering connections built on authenticity and mutual respect. Our self-esteem empowers us to recognize and celebrate our strengths and of those around us, cultivating a sense of unity and support in our shared human experience.

In today's fast-paced and interconnected world, the value of relationships has never been more apparent. We all long for meaningful connections with our partners, friends, family, and children. However, in a culture that often prioritizes individualism and self-centeredness, many of us lack the necessary skills to truly nurture and develop these relationships. As a therapist, I have dedicated myself to bridging this gap and empowering my clients with the tools they need to build strong and intimate connections. I

Relationships can be both fulfilling and challenging, and it’s not uncommon to experience periods of where things feel difficult. Understanding the different phases of love can provide insight into why your relationship might be going through a tough time.