Depression

Depression is more than just a low mood – it’s a serious condition. While we all feel sad, moody or low from time to time, some people experience these feelings intensely, for long periods of time and often without reason. People with depression find it hard to function every day and may be reluctant to participate in activities they once enjoyed. However, with accurate and professional depression treatment, depression can be overcome or managed effectively.

Depression is one of the most common of all mental health problems. One in five people experience depression at some stage of their lives. That means around one million Australian adults live with depression each year.

In order to accurately diagnose whether or not you are suffering from depression, it is imperative that you see a qualified mental health professional. Some of the more common symptoms that may indicate you have a depression that requires treatment include:

• Depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day, as indicated by either subjective report (e.g., feels sad or empty) or observation made by others (e.g., appears tearful). (In children and adolescents, this may be characterized as an irritable mood.)
• Markedly diminished interest or pleasure in normal activities most of the day, nearly every day
• Significant weight loss or weight gain (e.g., a change of more than 5% of body weight in a month), or decrease or increase in appetite nearly every day.
• Insomnia or hypersomnia (excessive sleeping) nearly every day
• Psychomotor agitation (fidgeting like behaviour) or retardation (no real movement) nearly every day
• Fatigue or loss of energy nearly every day
• Feelings of worthlessness or excessive or inappropriate guilt nearly every day
• Diminished ability to think or concentrate, or indecisiveness, nearly every day
• Recurrent thoughts of death (not just fear of dying), recurrent suicidal ideation without a specific plan, or a suicide attempt or a specific plan for committing suicide
• Finding it hard to take minor personal criticisms
• Spending less time with friends and family
• Increased use of alcohol or other drugs
• Increased physical health complaints such as fatigue or pain

This disorder is characterized by a mild-to-moderate state of depression that can last for years. People often describe it as a general feeling of unhappiness or that something is missing from their lives. Some of the more common symptoms include:

• Poor appetite or overeating
• Insomnia or hypersomnia
• Low energy or fatigue
• Low self-esteem
• Poor concentration or difficulty making decisions
• feelings of hopelessness

At Counselling & Therapy Associates we offer a range of treatments for both Depression and Dysthymia that may be able to alleviate or completely eradicate these symptoms from your life. To discuss Dysthymia or Depression treatment contact us on 0422 467 705 or to book a session with one of our therapists Click here.