Depression comes under the banner of mood disorders. Some people call it “clinical depression” or “major depression”, but regardless of the choice of name it is essentially the same. Depression, as a condition is, however, different from “manic depression” now called “bipolar disorder”. Bipolar disorder involves both highs and lows in mood, whereas depression involves only lows. Depression involves a diagnosable set of symptoms but the lived experience is very different for each person. Depression is not simply a low mood. In fact, some people I have seen do not realise that they have it.
Depression can be complicated with other co-existing problems, such as anxiety or a physical illness. For some people experiencing depression it can feel like complete exhaustion, physically, emotionally, psychologically and spiritually. Thoughts of death and suicide are not uncommon.
Though depression is sometimes described as a mental illness the word illness is perhaps a misnomer. Depression is not caused by a virus or germ. Research has indicated that it is caused by many factors. That is, some are social, some are biological, some are personality, or because of an event, or for psychological reasons. It is complicated.
The good news is that depression can be treated. Research indicates that a psychological treatment, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy or Interpersonal Therapy that incorporates active skill-building, is more effective than medication especially in terms of preventing relapse. Research has also shown that depression is more likely to return if it is left untreated.
“Any person who takes prescribed anti-depressant medication and seeks no other intervention is not doing themselves any favours. There is a higher relapse rate when anti-depressants are the only treatment” (Dr. Michael Yapko “Breaking the Patterns of Depression”).
Winter blues
The Winter Blues sounds like a type of music, but it is actually a form of depression that takes place around the same time each year with the change of seasons. It affects individuals who are exposed to very few sunlight hours during the winter months.
The clinical term for Winter Blues is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Generally, Australians are exposed to mild winters compared with Northern Europeans. However, if much of your time during the winter months is spent inside then you may be susceptible.
The Winter Blues is primarily caused by unstable melatonin levels, as well as serotonin, a neurotransmitter responsible for mood, hunger, and sleep. As the days become shorter and the hours of sunlight decrease, people suffering from Winter Blues experience changes in their mood, energy level, and ability to concentrate.
Although the Winter Blues is not as severe as other types of depression, it can change the way a person thinks, reacts, and deals with everyday challenges. People with Winter Blues experience increased appetite, weight gain and hypersomnia. It is similar to animals winter hibernation.
What to do to beat the Winter Blues
1. Exercise. This improves your mood and reduces stress.
2. Improve your diet. Carbohydrates are often effective in increasing serotonin levels in the brain. A better strategy for anyone suffering from winter blues would be to eat larger portions of complex carbohydrates, like pasta and rice, and healthy simple carbohydrates like fruits between and during meals.
3. Most importantly, go outside during breaks at work. Try and get 30 minutes of natural sunlight each day, even if it’s cloudy.
If you think you may have depression…
If you think you might be depressed, have a chat with your GP or a Psychologist.
If you see your GP first, they can provide a referal to a Psychologist and then you may be entitled to Medicare rebates for your visits to the psychologist. Your GP may recommend a psychologist if you don’t have anyone in mind, but regardless of whose name is on the referral, you can use this to see any psychologist you want to.
Mental Health Fact
One in five Australians will experience a mental illness.
www.dhs.vic.gov.au/health/mentalhealth/illnesses/facts.htm
Did you know?
Exercise improves your mood and reduces stress. So what are you waiting for?
Relaxation through guided meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, guided visual imagery, breathing exercises and other similar techniques can also provide an array of health benefits.
The benefits of regular relaxation include:
- More energy
- Improved sleep
- Enhanced immunity
- Increased focus & concentration
- Better problem-solving abilities
- Greater efficiency & productivity
- Less headaches and pain
- Smoother emotional states – less anger, crying, anxiety, frustration…
About MBS Psychology
MBS Psychology offers caring and professional counselling services for adolescents and adults.
Counselling Psychotherapy Hypnosis
MBS Psychology provides Relaxation classes Mondays & Wednesdays.
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Contact Us
Phone: (03) 8518 2507
Email: enquiries@mbspsychology.com.au
Website: www.mbspsychology.com.au
Address: 730 Waverley Road, Malvern East, VIC, 3145
