Depression can drain our energy, and our sense of vitality for life which can leave you feeling like a shadow of yourself, just going through the motions and trying to function. It is common for minor activities such as eating, cooking or our day to day routine to starting to feel difficult and overwhelming. Depression also impacts our relationships and makes it very hard to focus on work and life in general.
It is very common for anxiety to accompany mood symptoms which can result in feeling low, stuck and overwhelmed.
Some people become more emotional and teary when their mood is affected and you will notice feeling more fragile in general. For others it can present as irritability and feeling quick to become frustrated or angry.
There are different types of depression. Brisbane Wellbeing Psychologists are experiencing in recognising the different types of depression and determining a therapy that is most likely to meet your needs and to have the best outcomes based on research studies.
Depression (Major Depressive Disorder)
This is is the most common type of mood problem and it is characterised by at least five of the following symptoms over a period of at least two weeks including at least one of the first two symptoms listed. It usually follows a period of life challenges or stressors but sometimes can occur for seemingly no triggered reason at all.
Depressed mood for most of the day
Reduced interest in usually pleasurable activities
Changes in appetite or weight
Changes in sleep patterns
Lack of energy
Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
Agitation or slowing down of physical movements
Inability to concentrate or make decisions
Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide
Chronic Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia)
Symptoms for at least two years however a major depressive episode can also occur on top of Dysthymia.
Depression vs grief
Grief is a normal response to a major loss. However sometimes the adjustment of this loss (which could be a loved one, a job, relationship break up, or a trauma) can turn into depression or an adjustment disorder.
We are complex. At certain times in our lives a combination or some or all of these factors can result in a struggle with mood that worsens over time and does not lift. If you suspect this is the case, the earlier that you or someone you care about seeks assistance, the better. For most people, psychological intervention, sometimes accompanied by medical intervention results in feeling better fairly quickly. Life is too short to be having your mood prevent you from living a rich, full and meaningful life.
While all depression has some biological contribution, these types of depression have very strong biological contributors so a combination of approaches can be required:
Melancholic depression (tends to run in families) and can result in severe mood impact that makes it difficult to function. More likely to result in slowed movements (known as psychomotor retardation) or the opposite, agitated anxious movements (psychomotor agitation).
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
While many women experience mood fluctation and physical symptoms prior to their period, PDD can result in severely depressed mood, anxiety and/or anger, social withdrawal and difficulty functioning for several days each month. For many women not all months are the same and each third or fourth month may be worse. Psychological help can be a great part of your tool kit for riding out these challenging days.
Postnatal Depression
While “baby blues” – mood fluctuation due to hormonal factors is very common, about 10% of mums will experience more severe mood impacts that can last from weeks to years. Postnatal depression frequently features anxiety features and can contribute to fears. Psychological help is particularly valuable for women experiencing post natal depression but at Brisbane Wellbeing, our Psychologists also see quite a high percentage of new dads who are struggling.
Bipolar Disorder
Previously known as manic depression, Bipolar disorder occurs in about 2% of the population. There are two types:
Bipolar 1 – More severe mood fluctuations along with periods of mania or an elevated mood to the extent that people with Bipolar 1 can lose touch with reality and may participate in risky behaviours, sleep less and generally have high energy.
Bipolar 2 – less severe mania known as hypomania. Irritability is also usually present. Depression episodes can be painful and intense.
Psychotic Depression
This is the rarest type of depression which means that alongside the usual symptoms of depression, delusional symptoms also are present.
If you are someone that you care about is struggling with their mood, it is best to try and seek help as soon as you can. Depression can be hard to shift on your own because it tends to create a stuck and hopeless type feeling in our brain that can feel like you are trying to function while moving through mud…. Our Psychologists are all very experienced and caring and can help you to find a way through mood struggles. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, your Psychologist will usually meet with you weekly until you are starting to feel better (most clients will start to attain improvement within 3-4 sessions) and then meet with you perhaps fortnightly or monthly as needed. Your GP can refer you under Medicare which entitles you to up to ten sessions under Medicare per calendar year to help offset some of the cost. Early morning, lunch time and early evening appointments are available.