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 Depression
What is depression?
Symptoms of depression
What causes depression?
How many people are depressed?
What is cognitive behavioural therapy for depression?
How effective is CBT for depression
What about medication?
What do I have to do in therapy?
What is Depression?
Depression has many symptoms which are listed below. When people talk about “clinical depression” they have from a few of these symptoms (mild depression) to almost all of them (severe depression).
Most people have probably felt low at some point in their lives and may have called this “being depressed.” However, mood fluctuations are a normal part of being human and can help inform us that something is not quite right. It is called depression when you’ve had a number of the symptoms above for over 2 weeks, and they are interfering with your daily functioning in some way.
People who are depressed have used words like a fog or black cloud has descended upon them.
Read our Mindfood article about Seasonal Affective Disorder.
It is common for depressed people to feel anxious as well (this occurs in up to 70% of cases) with symptoms including worry, nausea, dizziness, hot and cold flushes, blurred vision, a racing heartbeat, trembling and sweating. See our anxiety information page for more.
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Do you experience any of these symptoms?
Mood Symptoms
- Feeling depressed
- Feeling irritable
- Feeling guilty
- Feeling hopeless
- Loss of pleasure
- Low motivation
- Lack of interest in usual activities
Body Symptoms
- Loss of appetite or increased appetite
- Weight loss or gain
- Too little sleep (insomnia) or too much sleep
- Being slowed down or sped up
- Fatigue
- Low energy
- Impaired concentration
Thinking Symptoms
- Thinking you are worthless
- Thinking it’s all your fault or you’re being punished
- Difficulty making decisions
- Thinking about suicide or wishing you were dead
Behaviour symptoms
What causes depression?
There is no one cause of depression and it is best viewed as “multifactorial”—that is, a number of different factors can cause it. Psychologists like to call it the “biopsychosocial” theory, in other words, partly biological/genetic, partly psychological (what you’ve learned over the years, influencing how you think and behave) and social (influence of others in your life including losses and conflict).
How many people are depressed?
Although a number of people come and tell us they are “crazy,” depression is not something that makes you crazy and it is very common. It is sometimes called the common cold of emotional problems. In 2020 the World Health Organisation predicts depression to be second only to heart disease in its impact on peoples’ lives.
One in six New Zealanders will experience a major depressive disorder at some time in their lives. It’s more common among females (one in five females, compared to one in eight males).The chances of recurrence of another episode after the initial episode are high. However the risk lowers if you have evidence-based therapy.
Why do more women get depressed?
It is not clear why there is a sex difference in the prevalence of depression. Theories include women are more willing to acknowledge feelings of sadness and self-criticism openly, whereas men may “mask” or hide their depression behind other problems, such as alcohol and drug abuse. Women may also control fewer sources of rewards than men do, and their achievements may be more often discounted.
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What is cognitive behavioral therapy for depression?
Cognitive-behavioral treatment (CBT) of depression is a goal oriented, structured, practical, and effective intervention for people suffering from depression. It involves identifying and addressing the behaviors and thinking patterns that cause and maintain depression. It is a present focused therapy and looks at
how thoughts and behaviours contribute to feeling bad or good.
CBT can give you the tools to think more realistically and feel better.
How effective is cognitive behavioural therapy for depression?Numerous research studies have consistently demonstrated that cognitive-behavioral therapy is an effective therapy for depression. For mild to moderate depression CBT is at least as effective as antidepressant medication in the treatment of major depression.
What about medication?
Various medications have been found to be effective in the treatment of depression. It is best to speak to your GP about these and if necessary, your psychologist and GP can liaise over the best treatment.
What do I have to do in therapy?
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for depression requires you to be an active participant in treatment. Your therapist may also give you homework exercises to assist you in modifying your behavior, your thoughts, and your relationships. Although many patients suffering from depression feel hopeless about improvement, there is a high likelihood that with therapy, you can feel a lot happier.
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If you feel like talking to someone about what's bothering you, please call us on (09) 361 2303
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