Depression

What is Depression?

Depression is a very common illness that affects at least one in four Australians within their lifetime. Many people play down the seriousness of this illness as it has few overt symptoms, and mistakenly assume they can 'snap out of it'. Unfortunately, these attitudes are far from the truth.  Research indicates that depression is a genuine illness which can be treated by suitably trained professionals.

What are the Symptoms of Depression?

The symptoms of depression include: having continually down moods for at least two weeks, loss of interest and pleasure, and strong feelings of guilt, worthlessness, hopelessness or helplessness.  Other symptoms may include having too much or too little sleep, changes in appetite, increased irritability, poor motivation, low energy levels, difficulties concentrating and experiencing trouble with memory.  It is not uncommon for people with depression to become socially withdrawn, have a lowered libido, seriously question what would otherwise be a healthy relationship, and even consider suicide.

Varying types of Depression

What you may not realise is that there are varying types of depression which include:

1. Melancholic Depression
2. Stress-Induced Depression
3. Interpersonally-Based Depression
4. Substance-Induced Depression
5. Depression induced by a medical condition
6. Psychotic Depression

It is very important to carefully consider the type of depression you may be experiencing and the severity of its symptoms. This is because the type of depression experienced should match the forms of intervention offered. For instance, Stress-Induced Depression may be best treated with some Cognitive Restructuring, Effective Problem-Solving, skilling in Coping Styles and Lifestyle Enhancement.  Alternatively, if your depression started after relationship conflict then maybe you would be best supported with Interpersonal Therapy and skilling in Assertive Communication, Anger Management and Conflict Resolution. Or again, an Alcohol-Induced Depression may be best treated by "teaming-up" with a GP, Cognitive Restructuring, Drug & Alcohol Counselling, Stress Management, Skilling in alcohol refusal and Lifestyle Enhancement.

Research also indicates that it is important to measure the severity of depressive symptoms when choosing between treatment options. Mild to moderately severe episodes of depression can be equally treated by Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy and Antidepressants. The same research shows that severe episodes are best treated with medication in the first instance. The point is, if you are suffering from depression you will be best supported by finding the right depression-treatment match.

For this reason, at BlueSky Psychology, we will take the time to thoroughly assess your situation and listen carefully to your concerns.  You will then be offered an individualised treatment program to specifically target your type of depression. We will not start therapy until you know all of your options and have all the necessary information to consent.

Types of Therapy offered by BlueSky Psychology for Treating Depression:

1. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
2. Interpersonal Therapy
3. Effective Problem-Solving
4. Assertive Communication Skilling
5. Lifestyle Enhancement Training
6. Dietary Management
7. Alcohol and Drug Counselling
8. Education and guidance with regard to physical treatments (for example, varying types of antidepressants)

Medication

There may be times when medication, or a combination of therapy and medication, are required to treat depression. This is particularly the case when the symptoms of depression are severe and there is a high degree of distress or dysfunction ( ie. at work, home, marriage, caring for one's children). While the Psychologists at BlueSky are trained in teaching behavioural and thought strategies (such as CBT) to beat depression, they also know when to refer clients for medication. The whole area can be little confusing so our Psychologists will be happy to assess your situation, provide you with information, and offer a range of interventions that may or may not include medication.