What Is Depression
Depression is more than just a low mood. For many people being depressed can mean feeling sad, ‘blue’ down-hearted, disappointed, detached or upset.
However, a person can feel all these things without being clinically depressed. Feelings of sadness or the ‘blues’ can happen when difficult situations arise in life but these are generally brief and do not affect normal functioning on a long term basis.
Depression on the other hand, can have significant and detrimental effects on many aspects of a person’s life. People with depression find it hard to function every day and may be reluctant to participate in activities they once enjoyed.
Do Not Be Ashamed Depression Is Common
Depression is one of the most common of all mental health problems. One in five people experience depression at some stage of their lives.
Depression is not something to be ashamed of or to feel guilty about. It is not a character flaw or a sign of weakness, or a lack of discipline or personal strength. It is not just a ‘mood’ that someone can ‘snap out of’.
Symptoms Of Depressions Include
- Loss of interest in pleasurable activities and daily routine
- Worrying and negative thinking
- Irritability, agitation and fatigue
- Changes in sleeping patterns
- Hopelessness
Treatments For Depression
Psychological Treatments For Depression
Psychological treatments for depression provide a supportive environment for an individual to work through difficulties and obtain a better understanding of what they are going through. Psychologists also help by providing skills and strategies to change negative thinking patterns and behaviours that contribute to depression, and to lessen underlying sensitivity to future episodes of depression. Psychologists use a number of psychological treatments that have been proven by scientific research to be effective and beneficial.
Combination Treatments For Depression
For some types of depression, particularly more severe depression, a combination of both antidepressant medication and psychological treatment has been shown to be beneficial. Antidepressant medication can increase a person’s responsiveness to psychological treatment. The psychological treatment provides support and strategies to change depressed thinking and behaviour, improving long-term coping skills and the likelihood of long-term change.
Antidepressant Medications For Depression
A change in the balance of chemicals in the brain that impact on mood can be one defining aspect of clinical depression. When some specific chemicals in the brain are very low or lacking, this can contribute to feelings of low mood, sadness and fatigue. In consultation with your doctor or psychiatrist, antidepressant medications may be prescribed as they help to restore the brain’s chemical balance and improve mood.