Depression / Persistent Low Mood Counselling
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Understanding Depression: Signs, Symptoms, and Types
Depression is a common yet serious mood disorder that affects how a person feels, thinks, and handles daily activities. It's more than just feeling sad or going through a rough patch; depression is a persistent condition that requires understanding and proper treatment.
Seeking Help
Depression is a treatable condition. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of depression, it is crucial to seek help from a healthcare provider. Treatments can include medications, therapy, lifestyle changes, and other interventions that can significantly improve the quality of life.
Remember, depression is not a sign of weakness, and it's okay to ask for help. Understanding and recognizing the signs and symptoms can lead to timely and effective treatment, making a significant difference in managing this condition.
Types of Depression
There are several types of depression, each with unique features and treatment approaches. Here are the most common ones:
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): Also known as clinical depression, MDD is characterized by a combination of symptoms that interfere with a person's ability to work, sleep, study, eat, and enjoy life. Episodes can occur once or multiple times in a person's life.
Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD): Previously known as dysthymia, PDD is a chronic form of depression where a person experiences a depressed mood for most of the day, for more days than not, for at least two years. Symptoms are less severe than MDD but longer-lasting.
Bipolar Disorder: This disorder includes episodes of depression and episodes of mania or hypomania (a less severe form of mania). The depressive episodes in bipolar disorder have the same symptoms as MDD.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): This type of depression occurs at a specific time of year, usually in the winter when there is less natural sunlight. Symptoms typically improve with the arrival of spring and summer.
Postpartum Depression (PPD): This is a severe form of depression that occurs in some women after giving birth. It's different from the "baby blues" as it lasts longer and significantly interferes with a mother's ability to care for her baby and handle other daily tasks.
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD): This is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) that includes physical and behavioral symptoms that usually resolve with the onset of menstruation. Symptoms can include severe irritability, depression, or anxiety in the week or two before your period starts.
Psychotic Depression: This occurs when a person has severe depression plus some form of psychosis, such as having disturbing false fixed beliefs (delusions) or hearing or seeing upsetting things that others cannot hear or see (hallucinations).
Applying ACT to Depression
ACT helps individuals with depression by addressing the following areas:
Acceptance of Emotional Pain: Depression often involves intense emotional pain. ACT teaches individuals to accept this pain instead of fighting against it, which can reduce the struggle and suffering associated with depression.
Mindfulness and Presence: Depressive thoughts often focus on past regrets or future worries. By practicing mindfulness and staying present, individuals can reduce the impact of these thoughts and increase engagement with life.
Defusing from Negative Thoughts: Depression involves pervasive negative thinking. Cognitive defusion techniques help individuals see these thoughts for what they are—just thoughts—thereby reducing their influence.
Value-Driven Life: Depression can lead to a sense of hopelessness and lack of direction. ACT helps individuals clarify their values and take committed action towards them, providing a sense of purpose and direction.
Behavioral Activation: By encouraging committed action, ACT promotes behavioral activation, which is a well-established method for reducing depressive symptoms by increasing engagement in meaningful activities.
