Depression

Are you noticing that you often feel low in mood, lack energy and motivation or experience a loss of pleasure and interest when you do things you previously enjoyed? If so, these may be some indicators you are experiencing depression.  

What does depression mean? 

Depression is a mental health condition that can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background. It’s a real condition, not something that can be cured by just “cheering up,” and it can often feel frustrating when people around us suggest this is the answer to how we are feeling.  Depression can impact every aspect of a person’s life, making it difficult to enjoy things they once loved, affecting their relationships, and interfering with their work or daily activities. 

What causes depression?

There is no single cause for depression, and everybody is different. Some people experience episodes of depression after stressful life events or changes, others may have predisposing biological factors, or both. A difficult life event (such as bereavement, divorce, work stress) or other reasons for low mood may lead to certain coping mechanisms such as isolating yourself, or perhaps using food, substances, or alcohol to cope. Although understandable, these tend to have further negative impact on our mood, and the depressive cycle continues or is exacerbated.  

What help is available to me?

Because of how we feel when depressed, it can be incredibly difficult to initiate the process of seeking help. Often people feel ambivalent or hesitant to reach out, perhaps due to difficulties with motivation and hopelessness, but also possibly due to fear of the unknown around what to expect, or the responses of those around us. 

At Sage, we understand how hard it can be to take those initial steps, and we strive to offer help in the most supportive and confidential way. We also understand that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to depression, and we aim to help individuals manage their depression in a way that’s tailored to their needs and in a way that works best for them. 

We offer comprehensive assessments to understand the factors contributing to depressed mood and your experience of the associated symptoms. We then make recommendations for evidence-based treatment approaches collaboratively with you and work together on implementing this.  

There are a variety of treatment options for depression. Therapy, for example, can be incredibly helpful in managing depression. Our highly trained Psychologists use well-known evidence-based models, like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or psychotherapy, that can help people identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors that may be contributing to their depression. It’s like learning to speak a new language, except this language is all about how you think and feel. 

Medication management is another option that we offer. Our psychiatrists can work with you to consider the role of medication and address any questions or concerns you may have before prescribing if this is a good option for you.  

Who can benefit from it? 

Any individuals who are experiencing any of the following signs:

• You are experiencing continuous low mood or sadness. 
• Feeling more irritable and/or more tearful than usual. 
• You are finding it difficult to make decisions. 
• You are noticing negative thoughts about yourself and/or others a lot of the time. 
• Changes in your appetite, weight and/or sleep pattern.  
• Unexplained aches and pains, a lack of energy, low sex drive or moving/speaking more slowly than usual. 
• A lack of motivation and interest in things you usually would have enjoyed. 
• You are avoiding contact with friends and loved ones, and maybe are having difficulties in your home or work life.
• If you are having difficulties focusing and concentrating on your day to day activities.  
• You are having distressing thoughts of harming or punishing yourself, and thoughts that you cannot go on.

So, if you or someone you know is experiencing depression, don’t be afraid to reach out for help. With the right treatment and support, it’s possible to manage depression and live a fulfilling life. You can contact us to book an appointment or to ask a little more about what to expect in the first instance if helpful.