How to Overcome Depression

And Why It’s Not a Life Sentence

If you’re here, please know this first — I see you.
You’re not here by accident. You’re here because something inside you is asking for answers and relief.

Welcome, beautiful.

If you’re reading this, chances are you’re tired.

Tired of carrying the weight.
Tired of trying to hold it together.
Tired of being told this is “just how it is.”

And maybe — quietly — you’re hoping there’s another way.

Well…

There is!

I know this — not just professionally — but personally.

In my early twenties, I lived with severe clinical depression and had become suicidal. I was medicated, hospital‑level unwell, and told by multiple professionals that depression would always be part of my life.

Thankfully, it wasn’t.

Today, I live medication‑free, depression‑free, and deeply in love with life. And for over 20 years, I’ve been helping others do the same.

‘If this program was placed in a pill and labeled anti-depressant, Tamra would be the wealthiest woman on the planet. This program not only gave me the tools to get my life back on track, it possibly saved it!!’
– Andrew Broomhall, Tasmania.

I’ve created this page to help you understand:

  • What depression really is
  • Why it develops
  • And the steps required to overcome depression at the root, not just manage the symptoms

Let’s begin gently.

What depression actually is (and what it isn’t)

Depression is often described as a chemical imbalance in the brain.

But this explanation is incomplete.

A more accurate question is:

What caused the chemical imbalance in the first place?

Your body does not randomly malfunction.

There is always a cause.

Here’s what we know from neuroscience and psychobiology:

  • Every thought creates a chemical response in the body
  • Repeated thoughts create repeated chemical patterns
  • Long‑term exposure to stress chemicals (like cortisol) changes brain chemistry
  • Those chemicals influence mood, motivation, energy, and hope.

In other words:

Depression is not the cause — it’s the result.

The real root cause of depression

So what creates the thoughts that create the chemicals?

Beliefs.

Most of our beliefs are formed in childhood, long before we have the capacity to question them. They are absorbed from our environment, caregivers, and experiences.

Beliefs like:

  • I’m not good enough
  • I don’t matter
  • I’m a burden
  • I’m alone
  • I’m not worthy or deserving
  • I’m unlovable

These beliefs live in the subconscious mind, which is responsible for around 90% of our thoughts, behaviours, and emotional responses.

When these beliefs run in the background, they generate:

  • Negative self‑talk
  • Hopelessness
  • Emotional exhaustion
  • And eventually, depression.

This is why depression can feel so invisible — and so relentless.

Can depression really be overcome?

Yes, but not by willpower alone.

Managing depression (with medication, exercise, lifestyle changes) can help stabilise symptoms — and sometimes that’s an important first step.

But overcoming depression long‑term requires addressing the root beliefs that created it.

When those beliefs change:

  • Thoughts change
  • Chemistry changes
  • Emotional states change
  • Behaviour changes
  • Life changes!

When the root is cleared, depression has nothing left to attach to.

This is what happened for me.

And what I’ve witnessed again and again and again with my clients. Tess from Adelaide, Australia is just one of the many clients who I’ve helped overcome depression so she can live fully again…

The steps to overcome depression (from the inside out)

Here’s a clear, loving pathway forward.

STEP 1: Create immediate safety

If you’re at risk of harming yourself, please seek immediate support.

In Australia, Lifeline is available 24/7 on 13 11 14.

You deserve support while healing.

STEP 2: Support the body

Your nervous system needs stabilising before deep mental work can happen.

This may include:

This supports your body in producing its own feel‑good chemicals again.

STEP 3: Understand your beliefs

Depression is not who you are — it’s something you learned.

When you understand:

You regain choice.

STEP 4: Clear the beliefs at the subconscious level

This is the step most people miss.

Talking about beliefs helps manage depression.

Clearing beliefs heals depression permanently.

Modalities that work directly with the subconscious mind — such as NLP, Timeline Therapy, Hypnosis, and belief‑clearing processes — are where deep healing happens.

‘Thank you Tamra. You have saved my life. I am forever grateful that I found you and your astonishing work, as I am now depression free.’
-Tessa, Yoga instructor, Queensland, Australia.

How I help clients is through Self-Love Therapy; a holistic approach I developed over 20+ years of formal training and practical application that draws upon over a dozen different modalities, alongside ancient practices and philosophies.

It works by gently stripping away the layers of conditioning that disconnect us from the love within, helping us reconnect with our True Self, so we can feel whole and complete just as we are.

By working directly with the subconscious mind—where our beliefs, behaviours and self-image are formed—deep and lasting change becomes possible.

You can learn more about Self-Love Therapy here.

STEP 5: Build a depression‑free inner foundation

Once the root is cleared, we cultivate:

  • Self‑love
  • Emotional resilience
  • Healthy internal dialogue
  • A lifestyle that supports mental wellbeing.

This is how depression stays gone.

My personal journey out of depression

I share my full story — honestly, openly, and with hope — in Episode 32 on my podcast I Love Me with Tamra Mercieca:

Bye Bye Blues: My Journey Out of Depression…

This episode walks you through:

  • My lived experience with clinical depression
  • What didn’t work
  • What finally did
  • And why depression is not a life sentence or a diagnosis that we must simply ‘manage’.

🎧 Listen to the episode here →

Resources to support your healing

Depending on where you’re at, these resources will support you in your healing journey:

‘I started my journey with Tamra after reading a tiny article in the newspaper about her new book which for some strange reason drew my attention. I totally related to it and couldn’t put it down, “What a book”. Then there was the ‘do I ‘or ‘don’t I’ question, of getting sessions from her. This again, was totally out of character for me but something inside of me told me to keep going. Well today I honestly can say she saved me from just living my life, getting no where and being depressed, into someone who is confident, knows what he wants and won’t stop until he gets it, and most importantly is “HAPPY”. Tamra is a good listener, motivator and makes you feel comfortable to be around. I openly tell people about my experience with her. One word to describe her “fantastic”.’
-Rob McGaffin, Electrician, Melbourne

If you’re ready to climb out of your deep dark hole of depression, I would be honoured to support you through my One-on-One Intensive.

Learn more about the One‑on‑One Intensive here.

A final word, from my heart to yours…

Depression does not define you.

It does not own you.

And it does not get to write the rest of your story.

If you’re willing — even just a little — to love yourself more than you dislike (or even ‘hate’) yourself…

Healing is totally possible.

You are not alone.

You are not broken.

And there is a way forward.

If you’d like support, explore the resources here on the website, or reach out when you’re ready.

From my love‑rich heart to yours, please know…

You are worthy of a life that feels good to live.

Frequently Asked Questions About Overcoming Depression

Q1: Can depression be overcome without medication?

Yes. While medication can help manage symptoms, true recovery comes from addressing the root causes of depression. By identifying and clearing limiting beliefs, adopting healthy thought patterns, and supporting your body and mind, it’s possible to overcome depression naturally and sustainably.

Q2: What causes depression at the root?

Depression stems from subconscious beliefs and programming absorbed in childhood. These beliefs—like ‘I’m not enough’ or ‘I’m unworthy’—shape your thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. Over time, they create chemical imbalances in the brain, which can manifest as depression. By addressing these underlying beliefs, you can remove the root cause of depression, so your mind and body can come back into harmony and health.

Q3: How do beliefs affect depression?

Your beliefs directly influence your thoughts, which in turn trigger chemical responses in the body. Negative beliefs generate stress hormones like cortisol, creating low mood and anxiety, while positive, empowering beliefs promote happy, healing chemicals such as serotonin and dopamine. Changing your beliefs can therefore change your brain chemistry and lift depression.

‘Words simply cannot describe how thankful I am for all you have done for me. You have literally changed my life. You changed the way I look at life and the way I look at myself. You taught me to love and trust again, and not just other people but most importantly myself. I am forever grateful to you and will never forget you. I am no longer afraid of so many things. I could sit here and ramble but the most important thing I have to say is THANK YOU.’
– Sarah Southwell, 17-years old, Victoria

Q4: How long does it take to overcome depression naturally?

In my One-on-One Intensive clients start to feel better after their very first session, and are generally depression and pill free within 3-months of starting the program. The program runs for 5-months, to ensure we clear all the beliefs contributing to the depression, and allow the necessary time to set up a lifestyle and environment that supports you in staying depression-free for life.