Depression

Depression Treatment

Jayne Hogan. Bathurst – Lithgow Psychologist

Medicare rebate available with doctors referral. Bulk billing for pensioners.

Living with depression symptoms can be an exhausting and debilitating experience. It can have a big impact on relationships with family and friends and on working life.

Relationships may suffer as the depressed person withdraws from others. Often feeling they don’t have the energy to talk and interact with others. Work may be affected due to concentration and memory problems, fatigue and increasing irritability.

Some depression symptoms often go unrecognised (fatigue, concentration problems, irritability, sleep disturbance). Family may comment that the person is ‘different’ or ‘not themselves’ anymore.

Many depressed people feel they should be able to pull themselves out of it. To ‘get thier act together’ and get on with life.

Depression is not a matter of willpower or laziness. It’s not a choice that people make. Depression is much more than feeling sad or upset about something that has happened.

Feeling depressed has been described in many ways.

“I feel empty inside”

“I feel irritable and angry all the time. I go off at the slightest thing”

“I feel sad all the time. I always feel like I’m about to cry”

“I feel like I’m in a black room without a door”

“It’s like talking to people through thick glass. They can’t reach me”

“It’s like wading through mud. I’m exhausted”

“I just don’t care about anything anymore”

“I can’t remember the last time I felt happy”

“I can’t stand being around people anymore. They annoy me”

“I just want to be left alone. I feel like I’ve failed”

Depression is very treatable.

You don’t have to continue feeling like this.

Accurate diagnosis is important to rule out other problems that may be causing symptoms.

Some symptoms of being depressed can include:

* being easily upset or angered, iritable all the time

* frequent crying spells for no apparent reason

* feeling emotional and close to tears frequently

* changes in appetite / weight

* waking early and having diffculty getting back to sleep

* loss of enjoyment in perviously enjoyed activities

* lowered sex drive

* feelings of sadness worthlessness and hopelessness

* feeling negative about the world, yourself & the future

* fatigue, tiredness

* lack of motivation do things, can’t be bothered

* low mood is worse in the morning & improves as the day goes on

* symptom present for most days, more than 2 weeks

Other causes need to be ruled out so don’t automatically assume the prescence of these symptoms means depression. There are several different types of depression so it is wise to get a professional opinion.

If you feel you, or someone you know is depressed contact your local doctor, psychologist or qualified mental health professional for a proper assessment. Make a long appointment and take the time to explain fully how you have been feeling. Ask any questions you have. If you’re not satisfied, keep looking until you find someone who will listen to your concerns.

Insight Psychology Services:

* Depression Treatment

* Cognitive Behaviour Therapy

* Psychotherapy

* Depression in men, anger management counselling

* Grief related depression & anger

To discuss an appointment phone Jayne on: 0412022995

Bathurst: Monday – Wednesday

Lithgow: Thursday

After hours and weekend appointments available