While we all feel sad, moody, or low from time to time, some people experience these emotions intensely for extended periods. This distress does not have an apparent reason and can last weeks, months, or even years in some cases. Depression is more than just a low mood; it is a serious condition that affects physical and mental health.
Depression can be mild to severe. It can be short-lived or chronic, and memorable circumstances can trigger depressive symptoms. A combination of symptoms, their persistence, and duration can indicate to a health professional that the person is at risk.
Each element in the list below can be a symptom of depression.
| Major symptoms | |
| Sadness
Loss of interest in any activity Tiredness Loss of self-esteem Lack of concentration Loss of energy Inferiority complex |
Change of appetite (loss or gain in weight)
Depressed mood Culpability An altered sleep pattern (Insomnia or hypersomnia) Restlessness Suicidal thoughts |
Depressive episodes can be genetic and/or environmental. The following is a short list of the types of depression:
| A major depressive disorder | A person who exhibits at least five persistent symptoms is considered a patient. Most cases are highly treatable. |
| Treatment-resistant depression | The subject is a person with tenacious depression who does not readily respond to treatment. A doctor’s diagnosis is crucial for identifying the causes and determining a change in treatment. |
| Subsyndromal depression | A person with fewer than five persistent symptoms is still able to function relatively normally during the day. |
| Persistent depressive disorder
(PDP) Called |
A person usually requires treatment with a combination of medication and psychotherapy. They have a low, dark, or sad mood on most days, plus at least two additional symptoms lasting two years or more. |
| Dysthymia | A form of PDP, it is diagnosed in children and teens. It is considered a low level of depression and can last a year or more. |
| Premenstrual dysphoric disorder
(PMDD) |
A person with a severe form of premenstrual syndrome triggers depression, sadness, anxiety, and irritability in the week before a woman’s period.
Up to 10% of women of childbearing age experience PMDD. |
| Bipolar depression/disorder | A person who has experienced at least one bout of mania. They experience wide swings in mood and energy, ranging from elation to hopelessness. It is usually more apparent in young adulthood and worsens without treatment. |
| Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder | This type is diagnosed in children who struggle with regulating their emotions. It is currently treated using medication, psychotherapy and parent training. |
| Perinatal depression (PPD) | This type of depression affects one in four women and one in eight men. The parenting role and its obligations may require treatment with medication and psychotherapy. In women, it is likely to be triggered by changes in hormonal levels and fatigue, whereas in men, it is often associated with environmental factors. |
| Seasonal affective disorder/depression (SAD) | This type of depression is diagnosed after at least two years of recurring, seasonal symptoms that usually occur in autumn or winter. The exact cause is unclear. It may require treatment with medication and psychotherapy. |
| Substance-induced mood disorder | Using or abusing any drug or alcohol can change a person’s mood. Depression, anxiety, and loss of interest in pleasurable activities typically appear shortly after taking or abusing a substance or during withdrawal. Dependency requires treatment with medication and psychotherapy. |
| Psychotic depression | A person with psychotic depression has severe depression accompanied by the loss of contact with reality. Symptoms can include hallucinations and/or delusions.
Doctors usually prescribe treatment with medication and psychotherapy. |
| Depression due to an illness | A person managing a severe, chronic disease or injury may experience difficulties. Debilitating pain from disease-related inflammation can cause the release of certain chemicals by the immune system that trigger or worsen depression. Treatment with medication may help prolong their life and improve their ability to function. Psychotherapy and learning pain management techniques can help them cope with their resultant mental and physical problems. |
Treating depression with Counselling and Therapy
As well as overcoming depression, knowing precisely what depression means will help to recognise the onset of future episodes, if they occur. Gaining new skills or being able to challenge depressive thinking and behaviour at the onset means you can be confident about leading a depression-free life, and I can help you to learn these skills.
My practical counselling session focuses on a non-directive approach. A combination of the following methods will help guide you during therapy.
Why I behave the way I do
The fundamental concept of behavioural therapy is that all aspects of human experience can be reduced to observable behaviour, while internal processes are considered to have minimal significance. Hence, behavioural therapists are generally less interested in the thoughts and emotions of their patients but more in how these behaviours can be observed, modified, or changed. In short, behaviour modification is only part of the treatment.
Why I think the way I do
Cognitive therapy works on the fundamental premise that all emotion comes from thoughts; thus, if you contemplate something scary, you will feel fear. Recent studies suggest that certain feelings can arise before thoughts, and one can experience fear before knowing what it is. However, research on the benefits of cognitive therapy has demonstrated significant improvement as well as prevention of relapse of depression.
Cognitive therapy can challenge negative thoughts when they arise, but the patient must engage in the learning process due to its complexity.
Why I relate to others the way I do
Interpersonal therapy focuses on the way we interact with others in our lives and how we use communication to express our emotions. This approach is based on the concept of the level of timidity, aggressiveness, or assertiveness an individual possesses and how social skills may positively or negatively affect their lives.
Depression can cause you to lose access to social skills as well as the desire to sustain relationships. The lack of satisfaction in family, work, and social relationships is prevalent among people suffering from depression, and this therapy can be seen as practical, sensible, and very helpful for them. Yet, like all the other approaches, interpersonal therapy can be a part of the whole process.
How to improve my future
Solution-focused therapy places its emphasis on finding solutions to current problems and concentrates on future wellness rather than past hurts. This doesn’t mean your past is ignored, but the focus is on teaching you new skills while keeping therapy brief.
Helping you find solutions to your immediate problems
The battle against depression has to be confronted together with the healthcare team.
During our therapy sessions, you and I will explore the collection of information regarding your behaviour, thoughts, and beliefs that you have gathered throughout your lifetime.
We will evaluate and interpret this disclosure to help you develop a strategy that enhances your relationships. Ultimately, you will become an inquisitive learner, reflecting and researching yourself objectively and accurately. Therefore, manage your depression by mastering your personal development.
I am committed to providing high-quality care. I can assist you in finding support and solutions to help you achieve your new you. Your call is completely confidential and obligation-free.
Taking the first step can be difficult, but the payoff is life-changing. To schedule an appointment, please get in touch with me at Plaisance Counselling.