Depression
What Is Depression?
Depression can come in different forms. You might feel persistently sad, find little enjoyment in activities you used to love, or experience fatigue and hopelessness. Living with depression can also make it difficult to build up the motivation to seek help, and figuring out where to start can be overwhelming.
If you are suffering from depression or low mood, don’t hesitate to book in to speak to me.
Depression Symptoms
Feeling low or down is something everyone experiences from time to time. However, when this feeling lingers for an extended period and starts to affect your daily life it can be helpful to get support.
Symptoms can include:
- Persistent low mood
- Persistent sadness or a sense of hopelessness
- Loss of interest in things you once enjoyed
- Changes in sleep or appetite
- Feeling fatigued or low in energy
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- A sense of worthlessness or guilt
- Thoughts of death or suicide
Treatment Options for Depression
Depression is usually the result of environmental and psychological factors but can also be caused by physical issues and as a side effect of medications or substances. The treatment for depression depends on why you have your symptoms and what you want to achieve. You might be aware of why you are feeling depressed, or it might be helpful to figure it out with a friend, telephone service, your GP, or a psychologist. Knowing why you are feeling depressed will help you know what treatments will help.
It’s also important to decide whether you want to try to resolve the issues causing the depression or if you are more interested in just managing your depression symptoms. Here are some options available to you.
Professional Depression Treatment Options
Seeing a General Practitioner (GP)
A GP is often the first step toward getting professional help. They can assess your symptoms and, if appropriate, will complete a Mental Health Treatment Plan with you (which will mean you can claim rebates when you see a psychologist). They may also prescribe medication if appropriate. If you are also looking for a psychologist near you (and you aren’t near me) they might be able to recommend someone local.
Seeing a Psychologist
Typically it is a psychologist who will be your main support for depression. Psychologists can offer psychological (talking) therapies to help you address the psychological and environmental factors contributing to depression.
Seeing a Psychiatrist
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who have specialised in mental health. They can prescribe medication to help with mood disorders (such as antidepressants), they can refer inpatient programs at hospitals, they can refer you for treatments for severe depression (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) or Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)), and some offer psychological therapies.
Programs at Private Hospitals
Private Health Insurance: If you have private health insurance, you might be able to access inpatient or outpatient programs for low mood or depression at private hospitals in Melbourne. A referral from your GP or psychiatrist is usually required.
- The Melbourne Clinic: Offers specialised programs for mood disorders.
- South Eastern Private Hospital: Provides group therapy and individual treatments for depression.
- Ramsay Clinic Albert Road: Offers inpatient and day programs focusing on depression.
Public Mental Health Services
If you have a very low mood then engaging with your local public mental health team for more intensive treatment may be helpful.
If you or a family member is experiencing very low mood or acute suicidality you can call Triage to commence the process of engaging with the local mental health team.
Your GP can also refer you, and if you have attended an emergency department, the staff there can refer you.
Community Health Services
Some local councils and community health services offer low-cost or free mental health programs, including counselling and support groups.
If you google your city council and then navigate to the health service that they offer you should be able to find out what they offer.
Online Resources For Managing Depression
Kids Helpline
Lifeline Australia
Suicide Call Back Service
Beyond Blue Support
Beyond Blue offers free, 24/7 counselling for people experiencing depression, anxiety, or mental health challenges. Their counsellors can provide advice, emotional support, to manage low mood.
Smiling Mind’s meditation can help with symptoms of depression and other mental health issues.
Black Dog Institute offers online tools, forums, and resources for managing mood-related challenges.
MoodGym is a self-help program based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) techniques that are helpful with managing depression.
In-Person Support Groups
Self-Help Books For Managing Depression
- Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy by Dr. David Burns
- The Happiness Trap by Russ Harris
- Mind Over Mood: Change How you Feel by Changing the Way you Think by Denis Greenberger and Christine Padesky
- The Mindful Way Through Depression: Freeing Yourself from Chronic Unhappiness by Mark Williams, John Teasdale, Zindel Segal and Jon Kabat-Zinn
Lifestyle Changes For Managing Depression
- Exercise: Regular physical activity can help improve mood. Walking, swimming, or yoga are great ways to boost energy and lift your spirits.
- Mindfulness and Relaxation: Practices like meditation or deep breathing can ease feelings of low mood.
- Sleep and Nutrition: Ensuring you get enough sleep and eating a balanced diet can significantly impact your mood. Try reducing caffeine and alcohol, and maintain a consistent sleep routine to support your mental health.
Book A Call With Me To Start Managing Your Depressive Symptoms?
Fax:
(03) 7020 2738
Locations and Hours:
R2R Health In Moonee Ponds:
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday: 9 AM to 6:20 PM
