DEPRESSION
Depression is a mood disorder which often characterise by low mood that persisted for longer than two weeks. In severe depression episode, this low mood can persist throughout the day and weeks
Symptoms of depression
Common symptoms of depression may include:
- Feelings of sadness, despair or unhappiness most of the day, nearly every day
- Loss of interest or pleasure in usual activities
- Changes in appetite
- Sleep disturbances
- Decreased energy levels and/or motivation
- Poor concentration
- Feelings of hopelessness and helplessness
- Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide
Causes of depression
Potential factors that cause depression can include;
- Going through stressful negative life event.
- Family history of depression
- Lack of positive social support or isolation.
- Neurobiological or hormonal factors
- Other mental or physical health conditions
- Limited coping strategies and unhelpful patterns of behaviour
- Personality attributes, such as low self-esteem, neuroticism and interpersonal sensitivity
Treatment options
There are two broad categories of treatment for depression, these include
- Psychological treatments (talking therapies). Research shows that psychological therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) can be an effective treatment for depression. CBT helps to focus on our thinking pattern and learn new coping strategies such as problem solving skills that can help with depression.
- Physical treatments (medications)
Often a combination of the above depression treatment approaches can be helpful.
At Mind psychology, we can help you with treatment of depression by using evidence based interventions. Please feel free to contact us to organise your appointment to begin your wellbeing journey.
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