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Depression can be a chronic feeling of sadness, leading to a lack of enthusiasm in activities that were once interesting. Depression (depressive disorder) can be classified as a severe medical condition that affects your behaviour and quality of life.
A mixture of negative emotions and confusion can lead to a turbulent lifestyle. As a result, you will find it more comfortable to isolate yourself even more from friends and family. Withdrawal from people, social events, hobbies and interests, in other words, everything that made life-enriching and fulfilling, can lead to a loss of purpose in the world.
Why do you feel depressed?
Depression has many possible causes, and a number of factors can be involved. It could be a specific event like difficulties in your relationship, divorce, loss of a loved one, the loss of a job, retirement or an accident. Even with life going quite well, depression can sometimes develop without any apparent reason.
How do I know I am depressed?
There are signs to watch out for when it comes to depression.
Common signs are:
- Moodiness/irritability/anger
- Sleeplessness
- Change in eating patterns
- Tiredness
- Loss of purpose in life
- Feelings of guilt and worthlessness
- Inability to make decisions
- Trouble concentrating
- Physical aches and pains that do not respond to treatment
- Thoughts of death or suicide attempts
Is there a way to test for depression?
I will conduct an interview with you and ask you specific questions to determine whether you are suffering from depression. Furthermore, your GP can run blood tests to rule out other conditions linked to depression.
How do I help?
With your permission, I can refer you to a GP or your own physician to prescribe the most suitable medication to help relieve the symptoms you are experiencing.
Antidepressants are often prescribed to stabilise the brain’s chemistry. However, antidepressants are not used as "pick-me-ups" and do not have a tranquillising effect.
So how do antidepressants work?
Antidepressants work by balancing the brain's chemicals (neurotransmitters) that affect your mood and emotions.
Other than antidepressants, what else can be done?
In working with you using the model of EFT (Emotionally Focused Therapy) we can collaboratively help you to make sense of your experiences and support you to find ways to deal with depression in a more healing manner.
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a model concerned with solving present issues to help treat depression. By recognising the problem, you can change your mindset and behaviour, focusing on the positive rather than the negative.
In using this model, I can help you navigate this difficult journey, allowing you to get one step closer to recovery and normalcy with each session.
What are the costs of untreated depression?
- Addictions to alcohol and illegal drugs
- Poor relationships
- Lack of communication between loved ones
- Physical symptoms such as inflammation of the brain lead to seizures, confusion and hallucinations.
Myths about how to deal with depression
- Depression, like anxiety, isn't considered a real illness
- Only women are affected by depression
- Depression is similar to sadness
- Antidepressants can change your personality
- Having depression means you are weak
- Depression can go away without treatment
- Depression is a choice
- You can just “snap out of it”
- Medication is the best wat to treat depression
- Keeping busy cures depression
FAQ
What therapies are used to treat depression?
Behavioural therapy and cognitive therapy work effectively against depression. We refer to the combined therapies as “cognitive behavioural therapy” that addresses negative behaviour, thoughts and emotions. Brainspotting has also been shown to work well with depression.
Is depression here to stay?
There is no exact cure for depression. However, antidepressants and psychotherapy are used to ease depression symptoms. Therefore, there is hope that you will recover from depression with the right treatment and return to your normal life one day.
Can depression worsen without treatment?
If depression is left untreated, it can lead to addictions related to a substance (alcohol abuse) and drug use. Clinical depression, a major form of depression, leads to changes in your mood, behaviour and thoughts. Untreated depression can affect your relationships, personal life and work.
