Depression Treatment
If you are experiencing depression and anxiety it's important to seek treatment that is tailored to you.
Depression is very common and affects about one in six people.
Depression is more than just feeling down or sad for a few days. It’s a serious mental health condition that can affect how you feel, think, and handle daily activities. At True North Psychology in Brisbane, we offer compassionate, evidence-based treatments to help you manage and overcome depression.
What is Depression?
Depression is a common mental health disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterised by persistent sadness, lack of interest in previously enjoyed activities, and difficulty performing everyday tasks. Unlike typical mood fluctuations, depression can last for weeks, months, or even years if left untreated.
Are Depression and Sadness the Same Thing?
While sadness is a normal human emotion that everyone experiences from time to time, depression is a more serious and long-lasting condition. Sadness is typically a response to a specific situation or event, like a loss or disappointment, and usually fades over time. Depression, on the other hand, persists for weeks, months, or even years, and often has no identifiable trigger.
Symptoms of Depression
Symptoms of depression vary but can include:
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Persistent sadness or low mood
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Loss of interest in hobbies and activities
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Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness
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Fatigue or lack of energy
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Difficulty concentrating
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Changes in appetite and weight
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Sleeping too much or too little
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Irritability or restlessness
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Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
Recognising these symptoms early is essential to seeking timely help and preventing further complications.
Types of Depression
There are several types of depression, each with its own unique set of symptoms. Some of these include:
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Major Depressive Disorder: The most common form of depression, characterised by severe symptoms that interfere with daily life for weeks or months
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Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia): A milder but long-lasting form of depression continuing over years.
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Bipolar Disorder: Involves both depressive and manic or hypomanic episodes
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Postnatal Depression: Affects some people after childbirth, causing intense feelings of sadness, anxiety, or exhaustion.
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Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Depressive episodes triggered by seasonal changes, typically occurring in winter.
Risk Factors for Depression
Anyone can experience depression, but certain risk factors can increase your likelihood of developing the condition:
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Family history of depression or other mental illnesses
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Chronic medical conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease
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Major life changes or stressful events, such as divorce, job loss, or bereavement
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History of trauma or abuse
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Certain personality traits, such as perfectionism or low self-esteem
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Social isolation or alienation.
Understanding your risk factors can help with prevention and management.
Causes of Depression
Depression can be triggered by a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors. Common causes include:
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Chemical imbalances: Neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine play a role in mood regulation, and imbalances can contribute to depression.
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Genetics: A family history of depression may increase the likelihood of developing it.
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Stress and trauma: Significant life stressors or traumatic experiences may act as catalysts for depressive episodes.
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Personality factors: Individuals with certain personality traits, like sensitivity to stress or a tendency toward negative thinking, may be more vulnerable to depression.
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Other environmental and behavioural factors
Treatment Options for Depression
At True North Psychology, we offer a range of evidence-based therapies tailored to your specific needs. Our treatment options for depression include:
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Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): A structured, goal-oriented therapy that focuses on identifying and challenging negative thought patterns. CBT has been shown to be highly effective in treating depression.
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Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT): This therapy focuses on improving your relationships and communication skills. It helps you better manage the social factors that can contribute to depression, such as grief, role transitions, or interpersonal conflicts.
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Schema Therapy: A comprehensive approach that explores long-standing patterns of behaviour and thinking that may have developed in childhood. It helps you identify and address deep-rooted beliefs (schemas) that negatively impact your mood and relationships.
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Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT): Originally developed for people with borderline personality disorder, DBT is now widely used for depression. It combines cognitive-behavioural techniques with mindfulness strategies to help individuals manage emotions and reduce self-destructive behaviours.
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Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT): Integrating cognitive therapy with mindfulness practices, MBCT helps prevent relapse by teaching patients to focus on the present moment and break the cycle of negative thinking.
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Psychodynamic Therapy: This approach looks at how unconscious thoughts and past experiences influence current behaviours. It can be particularly helpful for individuals dealing with unresolved issues from their past that contribute to their depression.
Your psychologist will work collaboratively with you to develop the most effective treatment plan, ensuring that it aligns with your goals and preferences. Each method can be adapted to suit your unique needs and situation.
Depression and Medication
Talking therapies are best practice as the first treatment for people with depression. For some individuals, however, medication may be necessary in addition to talk therapies to manage symptoms of major depression. Antidepressants can be prescribed by GPs (such as Dr Ryan Williams) or psychiatrists.
These medications can help correct the chemical imbalances in the brain that may be contributing to depression. Your psychologist will be able to help you identify if medication is recommended, or call to book an appointment to have your current medications evaluated by GP Psychotherapist, Dr Ryan Williams.
Prevention of Depressive Episodes
While it may not be possible to prevent all depressive episodes, there are steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of recurrence:
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Maintain regular therapy appointments: Ongoing therapy can help monitor your mental health and address any early warning signs.
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Develop coping strategies: Identifying stress triggers and learning healthy ways to cope can prevent future episodes.
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Practice self-care: Prioritising sleep, physical activity, and relaxation can improve emotional resilience.
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Stay connected: Building a strong support network can reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness.
Self-Help for Depression
While professional treatment is crucial, there are also self-help strategies that can complement therapy. A good example is the DBT-based ‘PLEASE’ skill, which encourages people to:
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Treat Physical Illness: reduce pain, see a doctor, accept treatment.
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Eating regularly and adequately: 3 meals and 3 snacks, roughly 3 hours apart each day.
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Avoid mood-altering substances, such as alcohol.
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Sleep hygiene: Establishing a regular sleep routine and get enough sleep to feel rested.
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Exercise: Regular physical activity can boost mood-enhancing chemicals in the brain.
You can also try:
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Mindfulness and meditation: These techniques can help you stay present and manage negative thoughts.
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Support networks: Connecting with family, friends, or support groups can reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation.
When to Seek Help
If you’ve been feeling low for more than two weeks, or if your symptoms are interfering with your daily life, it’s important to seek professional help. Depression is a treatable condition, and early intervention can make a significant difference to your recovery. Reach out to a psychologist if you experience any of the following:
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Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
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Difficulty managing daily responsibilities
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Withdrawal from social activities
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Persistent feelings of hopelessness
