Depression

We all go through ups and downs in our mood. Sadness is a normal reaction to life’s struggles, setbacks and disappointments.

Many people use the word “depression” to explain these kinds of feelings, but depression is much more than just sadness.

What is Depression?

Some people describe depression as having a feeling of impending doom. However, some depressed people don’t feel sad at all. Instead, they may feel lifeless, empty and apathetic whilst sometimes may even feel angry, aggressive and restless.

Clinical depression goes by many names, “the blues”, biological depression, major depression… But it all refers to the same condition namely; feeling sad and depressed for weeks on end, accompanied by feelings of hopelessness, lack of energy and taking little or no pleasure in things that gave you joy in the past.

A person who is depressed just “can’t get moving” and feels completely unmotivated to do just about anything. Even simple things like getting dressed in the morning or getting out of bed become large obstacles.

Depression is the common cold of mental disorders. Most people will be affected by depression in their lives either directly or indirectly through a friend or family member.

Depression is different from normal sadness in that it engulfs your day-to-day life and interferes with your ability to work, study, eat, sleep and have fun. The feelings of helplessness, hopelessness and worthlessness are intense and unrelenting.

Causes of Depression

While the exact cause of depression is not known, a number of things can be associated with its development.

Depression does not result from a single event. Researchers believe that depression is caused by a combination of biological, psychological and social factors.

In other words, your lifestyle choices, relationships and coping skills matter just as much as genetics.

However, certain risk factors may make you more vulnerable to depression, including:

Family history of depression
Marital or relationship problems
Health problems or chronic pain
Loneliness
Lack of social support
Recent stressful life experiences
Alcohol or drug abuse
Unemployment or underemployment
Early childhood trauma or abuse

Symptoms of Depression

Depression symptoms do vary from person to person. It is important to remember that these symptoms can be part of life’s normal lows.

However, if the symptoms are strong and have continued for a long period, the more likely it is that you are dealing with depression.

Adults:

Feeling helpless and hopeless
Loss of interest in daily activities
Appetite or weight changes
Change in sleeping pattern
Anger or irritability
Loss of energy
Self-loathing
Reckless behaviour
Concentration problems
Unexplained aches and pains

Children and Teenagers:

Usually young children are unable to express their feelings in words. They tend to show their sadness with their behaviours such as:

Becoming withdrawn
Regressing in their school performance
Failure to thrive
Anxiety
Irritability
Frequent complaints of physical problems such as headaches and stomach-aches
Persistent boredom
Changes in eating or sleeping patterns

In addition, teenagers might lose interest in activities they previously enjoyed, take more risks without showing concern for their safety and are more likely to attempt self-harm than younger children.

Management of Depression

Think Psychological Services employs a range of therapies to manage depression. The most common methods include:

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
Interpersonal therapy
Psychodynamic therapy
Relaxation techniques

Often, a blended approach of the above methods is used. In most cases, the best approach also involves a combination of social support, lifestyle changes and emotional skills building.

The aim of therapy is to teach you practical techniques on how to reframe negative thinking and employ behavioural skills in combating depression.

Think Psychological Services will also help you work through the root cause of your depression, helping you understand why you feel a certain way, what triggers your depression and what you can do to stay healthy.