Depression
How do I know if I am experiencing Depression?
If you suspect that you may be experiencing a depressive disorder, it is best to check this with your GP before doing anything else.
To be properly diagnosed with a ‘Major Depressive Episode’ the following would generally need to be present;
For at least two weeks, at least five of the following symptoms would need to be noticeably present, and on an almost daily basis;
To be properly diagnosed with a ‘Major Depressive Episode’ the following would generally need to be present;
For at least two weeks, at least five of the following symptoms would need to be noticeably present, and on an almost daily basis;
• A marked disinterest in activities that previously were pleasurable*
• Either increased or decreased ‘motor activity’ – this means that the person is either noticeably ‘sluggish’ in movement and mental ability or noticeably restless or agitated • Concentration problems – difficulties in focusing, remembering, judging and making decisions • Sleep is noticeably disturbed – sleeping too much or not enough • Eating/Weight – a marked increase or decrease in weight and apetite • Fatigue - a noticeable decrease in energy levels • A very poor sense of self-worth and possibly inappropriate feelings of guilt • A preoccupation with death and possibly suicidal thoughts also |
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(* These first two symptoms must be included and then any three of the remaining seven.)
The presence of these above symptoms must be causing a real disruption or impairment to a person’s life ( work, social or personal).
The symptoms above must not be better explained by a physical medical condition or by the use of prescription or other drugs.
The presence of these above symptoms must be causing a real disruption or impairment to a person’s life ( work, social or personal).
The symptoms above must not be better explained by a physical medical condition or by the use of prescription or other drugs.
What other kinds of Depression are there?
Bipolar or Manic Depression refers to a type of depression where, as well as feeling depressed, the person might also experience ‘manic episodes’. Manic episodes would be expected to have lasted at least one week and to have included at least three of the following symptoms to a very noticeable and significant degree;
• Far more talkative than usual
• Insomnia or hypersomnia almost daily • Noticeably sluggish or restless • A sense of thoughts racing • Overly prone to distraction, a real difficulty focusing on any one task • A display of graniosity or inflated self-esteem • Need for very little sleep (as little as 3 hours) • Engaging in high-risk activities such as spending-sprees, sexual promiscuity or foolish business ventures • Increasingly goal-oriented with work, social, or personal projects. Such a diagnosis would require careful and expert attention – begin by talking to your GP and, if necessary, being referred by them for a professional assessment. |
Dysthymia or Dysthymic Disorder refers to a depressed state that has been present for two years or more but is not quite as severe as a Major Depressive Episode and doesn’t require all the symptoms of Major Depressive Disorder to be present.
What can I do if I think I have depression?
The place to start is always with your GP. Your GP may refer you on for a more detailed assessment or they may be able to give you a diagnosis themselves. Your GP can also advise you about medication as one way to treat your depression.
How can CBT help me with my Depression?
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy has been proven to be very effective in treating mild to moderate depression. It can be used with or without the use of antidepressant medication.
What can I do if I think I have depression?
The place to start is always with your GP. Your GP may refer you on for a more detailed assessment or they may be able to give you a diagnosis themselves. Your GP can also advise you about medication as one way to treat your depression.
How can CBT help me with my Depression?
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy has been proven to be very effective in treating mild to moderate depression. It can be used with or without the use of antidepressant medication.
“Men are disturbed not by things but the views they take of them”
Epictetus
People become depressed for a variety of reasons. Perhaps they are already ‘genetically vulnerable’ to depression or maybe they have been exposed to some tough challenges in life (a bereavement, relationship break-up, stressful job, difficult life situation (abusive relationship, financial hardship).
Perhaps one of the most unfortunate and unhelpful aspects of depression is the sense of shame people often attach to it. Depression is a complex problem but it is an incredibly common and human one. It is because people often feel ashamed and impatient with themselves for having depression that they delay and avoid getting proper help and support for it.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy provides answers, explanations and solutions for depression. It offers a very effective and structured programme which enables a person to get to the root of their depression and to learn to manage and overcome it.
Perhaps one of the most unfortunate and unhelpful aspects of depression is the sense of shame people often attach to it. Depression is a complex problem but it is an incredibly common and human one. It is because people often feel ashamed and impatient with themselves for having depression that they delay and avoid getting proper help and support for it.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy provides answers, explanations and solutions for depression. It offers a very effective and structured programme which enables a person to get to the root of their depression and to learn to manage and overcome it.