Sometimes we all feel down, anxious, and stuck; emotions are all part of being human. However, it’s not something you should have to deal with all the time, which is where our team of psychologists can help.
What Is Depression?
Our lives are filled with ups and downs. We’ve all felt depressed after tussling with our teenage children, an argument with a loved one, or when we’re dealing with a transition. On occasions, we can feel “down” for no obvious reason at all.
Sometimes a combination of events can cause us to feel sad, hopeless, or down, and recognising these signs is crucial. Especially when these depressive episodes start to get longer and longer, until we feel like they’re never-ending.
Depression is a serious but common mental disorder that can negatively impact how you act, think, and feel. It can also affect how you perceive the world and your life.
A diagnosis of depression may be warranted when someone experiences certain symptoms (e.g. low mood) for most of their day, nearly every day, and for more than two weeks. There will also need to be a clear change in their day-to-day functioning.
What Does Depression Look Like?
Depression symptoms vary from person to person. They can range from mild to very severe. These symptoms can include feeling hopeless, sad, empty, or irritable, or thoughts about self harm. Some people may experience an increase in purposeless activity. This may include hand wringing, pacing, or inability to sit still. Others might deal with trouble remembering things, making decisions, concentrating, or thinking.
These symptoms might occur in patterns. For example, a person’s depression might come when the seasons change.
It’s not unusual for people to also have physical side effects of depression, such as digestive problems, an increased or decreased need to sleep, and changes to appetite.
Types of Depression
A brief overview of the depressive disorders we most commonly see.
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
Characterised by persistent and intense feelings of sadness for extended periods. Symptoms include loss of interest, fatigue, changes in sleep and appetite, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, and difficulty concentrating.
Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)
Severe and recurrent outbursts that are out of proportion in intensity or duration to the situation, inconsistent with developmental level, and occurring three or more times per week. Between outbursts, mood is persistently irritable or angry most of the day.
Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia)
Depressed mood for most of the day, for more days than not, for at least two years. Alongside this, two or more of: poor appetite or overeating, insomnia or hypersomnia, low energy, low self-esteem, poor concentration, and feelings of hopelessness.
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
A severe form of premenstrual syndrome with marked mood disturbances. Mood swings, irritability, depressed mood or anxiety, along with physical symptoms, occur during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle.
Other Common Mood Disorders
Many of our clients also experience changes to mood that don’t fall under the category of depressive disorders. Here are a few we often see.
Bipolar I Disorder
One or more manic episodes, which may be preceded or followed by hypomanic or major depressive episodes. A manic episode involves an abnormally elevated, expansive or irritable mood, and increased activity or energy, lasting at least one week.
Bipolar II Disorder
One or more major depressive episodes and at least one hypomanic episode. A hypomanic episode is similar to a manic episode but less severe, and does not cause significant impairment in social or occupational functioning.
Cyclothymic Disorder
A chronic, fluctuating mood disturbance with numerous periods of hypomanic and depressive symptoms. Symptoms do not meet the full criteria for either, and persist for at least two years, or one year in children and adolescents.
When Does Depression and Mood Dysregulation Become a Problem?
While feeling down is a common occurrence in life, there are times when depression can become problematic. This can include when:
- The low moods last for more than 2 weeks
- You’re losing interest in things that were previously enjoyable
- It’s interfering with your ability to function at home or at work
- You’re experiencing weight loss or weight gain
- There has been a change in your sleeping routine
- You’re experiencing feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness
- Your concentration is not what it used to be
- Having thoughts of self-harm or suicide
What Can I Do About Depression?
Treating depression and mood disorders typically involves a combination of approaches, including psychotherapy, lifestyle changes, and sometimes medical intervention. The specific treatment plan may vary depending on the individual’s symptoms, severity of depression, and personal preferences. Here are the main approaches to treating depression:
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
CBT is an evidence-based and highly effective psychotherapeutic approach that can treat depression symptoms. The idea behind CBT is that a person’s behaviours, feelings, and thoughts are interconnected. Negative thought beliefs and patterns can result in problematic behaviours and emotional distress.
Our psychologists use CBT to teach our clients practical skills that challenge, identify, and modify certain behaviours and thinking. We work with our clients to create problem-solving techniques and coping strategies that address their current problems.
Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)
IPT is designed to treat depression with the idea that life events and personal relationships play a major role in the resolution and development of psychological distress. The goal of this therapy is to improve an individual’s interpersonal relationships by reducing their depression symptoms.
Schema Therapy
Schema therapy is rooted in CBT and offers a framework for healing and understanding long-term psychological issues. This type of therapy is effective at treating chronic depression.
It addresses and identifies deep-rooted patterns that develop during childhood and continue to affect a person’s thoughts, behaviours, and feelings in their adult life. Sessions focus on cognitive restructuring and emotional healing.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
ACT is intended to help people embrace their feelings and thoughts instead of feeling guilty for them or fighting them. Our team uses ACT to teach our clients how to use mindfulness strategies to help them accept certain experiences, and also identify their values and goals, so we know what you want to move towards.
Our psychologists are highly skilled in various treatment options for depression. We’ll work collaboratively with you using a range of practical and therapeutic techniques to improve your well-being. To learn more about different modalities of therapy, visit individual counselling.
How Our Process Works
1
Schedule an Appointment
Fill out our online contact form or call us at (03) 9802 4654. Our administration team will work out the clinician best suited to supporting you. Our office is open Monday to Thursday 8am – 9pm, and Friday 8am – 3pm.
2
Visit Our Notting Hill Location
We’ll send you our online intake forms and a Welcome email with information about your clinician, a location map, your telehealth link, and links to our resources page and blog.
3
Get the Help You Deserve
We understand that it can be challenging to ask for help from a mental health professional. Remember, we’ve been studying for many years for the privilege to help you and guide you along the path to feeling better.
How Much Does Counselling Cost?
We recommend that you get a referral to meet with one of our psychologists so you can claim Medicare rebates. While the Australian Psychological Society’s recommended fee is around $300 per consult, our fees vary from $220 to $280. You can make your payment at the time of your appointment via cash, credit card, or EFTPOS.
If you need support now
If you are in immediate danger, call 000
More options are listed on our resources page.