Depression

What is depression: Depression, also known as major depressive disorder or clinical depression, is a common and serious medical condition that negatively affects how a person feels, thinks, and acts. It can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems and can decrease a person’s ability to function in daily life. Depression is more than just feeling sad or going through a rough patch; it is a persistent and pervasive mood disorder that requires treatment.

Symptoms of Depression: The symptoms of depression can vary from person to person and can range from mild to severe. Some common symptoms of depression include:

• Persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or emptiness
• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed
• Changes in appetite or weight (either increased or decreased)
• Sleep disturbances (insomnia or oversleeping)
• Fatigue or lack of energy
• Difficulty concentrating, making decisions, or remembering things
• Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt
• Irritability or restlessness
• Physical symptoms such as headaches, digestive problems, or pain without a clear cause
• Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts

Causes of Depression: The exact cause of depression is not known, but it is believed to be caused by a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors. Some common risk factors for depression include:

• Family history of depression or other mood disorders
• Brain chemistry and neurotransmitter imbalances
• Hormonal changes (such as during pregnancy, postpartum, or menopause)
• Chronic illnesses or medical conditions
• Traumatic or stressful life events (such as the loss of a loved one, relationship issues, financial problems, or childhood trauma)
• Certain medications, drugs, or alcohol

Whay to aspect when working with me: Depression is a treatable condition, and there are several effective treatment options available:

• Psychotherapy: I work with an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) perspective, depression is viewed as a psychological struggle that arises from the interplay between cognitive processes, emotional experiences, and behavioural patterns. In ACT, depression is not solely seen as a collection of symptoms to be eliminated but rather as a complex human experience that can be understood and addressed through the core processes of the therapy.
• Lifestyle Changes: Engaging in regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy diet, getting adequate sleep, reducing stress, and avoiding alcohol and drugs can help improve mood and overall well-being.
• Mind-Body Therapies: Practices such as mindfulness may help reduce symptoms of depression and improve emotional well-being.

What are the modalities that I use for depression:

When working with a therapist who uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for treating depression, you can expect a compassionate, experiential, and values-driven approach that focuses on developing psychological flexibility and resilience. Here are some key aspects and techniques that a therapist using ACT for depression may incorporate into the therapeutic process:

• Assessment and Understanding: The therapist will conduct an initial assessment to understand your unique experiences, challenges, and goals related to depression. They will explore the thoughts, emotions, behaviours, and life circumstances contributing to your depression.
• Psychoeducation: The therapist will provide education about depression and ACT, explaining the core processes and principles of ACT and how they can be applied to understand and manage depressive symptoms.
• Values Clarification: You will work together with the therapist to identify and clarify your personal values – what truly matters to you in life. This process helps guide your actions and decisions, providing a sense of purpose and direction.
• Mindfulness and Present-Moment Awareness: The therapist will introduce mindfulness and present-moment awareness practices to help you connect with the here and now. These practices can help you disengage from rumination, reduce avoidance behaviors, and develop a more accepting and compassionate relationship with your thoughts and feelings.
• Cognitive Defusion: You will learn techniques to “de-fuse” from unhelpful thoughts and beliefs that contribute to depressive symptoms. This involves recognizing and challenging the validity and impact of negative self-talk and cognitive distortions.
• Acceptance and Cognitive Restructuring: The therapist will guide you in accepting difficult thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations without trying to control or avoid them. Instead of fighting against these experiences, you will learn to make room for them and allow them to come and go without judgment. Additionally, you may engage in cognitive restructuring to challenge and change unhelpful beliefs and attitudes contributing to depression.
• Committed Action and Behavioural Activation: Based on your clarified values, the therapist will help you identify meaningful and achievable goals and take committed action towards pursuing them. Behavioural activation techniques may be used to encourage engagement in activities and behaviours that align with your values and contribute to a sense of purpose and fulfilment.
• Feedback and Reflection: Throughout the therapy process, the therapist will provide feedback, encouragement, and support, helping you reflect on your progress, challenges, and insights gained from the therapeutic work.
• Homework and Skill Practice: Between therapy sessions, you may be given homework assignments and skill practices to apply the principles and techniques learned in therapy to real-life situations and challenges.
• Ongoing Support and Adaptation: As you progress through therapy, the therapist will continually assess and adapt the therapeutic approach to meet your changing needs, challenges, and goals, providing ongoing support, guidance, and encouragement.

Some common myths about depression include:

There are several myths and misconceptions about depression that can contribute to stigma, misunderstanding, and barriers to seeking help and support. Here are some common myths about depression:

Depression is just a sign of weakness: Depression is not a sign of weakness or a character flaw. It is a medical condition that involves changes in brain chemistry, neurotransmitter imbalances, and genetic, biological, psychological, and environmental factors.

People with depression can just “snap out of it” if they try hard enough: Depression is not something that someone can simply “snap out of” or overcome through willpower alone. It is a complex and serious medical condition that often requires professional treatment, support, and management.

Depression is just extreme sadness: While sadness can be a symptom of depression, depression involves a range of emotional, cognitive, physical, and behavioural symptoms that can significantly impact a person’s ability to function in daily life. It is more than just feeling sad or down.

Only women experience depression: Depression can affect people of all genders, ages, ethnicities, and backgrounds. While women are more commonly diagnosed with depression than men, men can also experience depression, and it may manifest differently in men compared to women.

Children and teenagers can’t have depression: Depression can occur at any age, including childhood and adolescence. Children and teenagers can experience depressive symptoms that may affect their mood, behaviour, academic performance, and social relationships.

Depression is a normal part of aging: While it is true that older adults may face unique challenges and stressors that can contribute to depression, depression is not a normal part of aging. It is a medical condition that can and should be treated, regardless of age.

Antidepressant medications are the only effective treatment for depression: While antidepressant medications can be helpful for many people with depression, they are not the only effective treatment option. Psychotherapy (such as cognitive-behavioural therapy, interpersonal therapy, and acceptance and commitment therapy), lifestyle changes, and other therapeutic approaches can also be effective in treating depression.

People with depression are just seeking attention: Depression is a serious and debilitating medical condition that can significantly impact a person’s quality of life, relationships, and overall well-being. People with depression are not simply seeking attention but are experiencing genuine and distressing symptoms that require understanding, support, and treatment.

Depression will never get better: With appropriate treatment, support, and self-care, many people with depression can and do experience significant improvement in their symptoms and quality of life. Recovery is possible, and many individuals with depression go on to lead fulfilling and meaningful lives.

You can’t do anything to help someone with depression: While it can be challenging to support someone with depression, your understanding, empathy, and support can make a significant difference. Encouraging them to seek professional help, listening without judgment, offering practical assistance, and being there for them can be invaluable sources of support.

“It’s important to challenge these myths and promote accurate understanding and awareness of depression to reduce stigma, encourage early intervention, and support individuals in accessing appropriate treatment, support, and resources”

In summary, from a feminist therapy perspective, depression is viewed as a complex and multifaceted experience influenced by individual, interpersonal, and societal factors. Feminist therapy offers a compassionate, empowering, and holistic approach to understanding and addressing depression. It recognizes the interconnectedness of personal struggles with broader social, political, and cultural contexts, emphasizing empowerment, agency, resilience, and social justice in the therapeutic process.

On the other hand, working with a therapist using ACT for depression involves a collaborative and empowering therapeutic relationship. The focus is on helping individuals develop the skills, insights, and resilience needed to manage depressive symptoms, increase psychological flexibility, and build a meaningful and fulfilling life aligned with their values.

If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of depression, it is important to seek help from a healthcare professional or mental health provider for a comprehensive evaluation and appropriate treatment. Early intervention and treatment are crucial for managing symptoms, improving quality of life, and promoting recovery.