Conditions
DEPRESSION
Understanding Depression
It’s completely normal for our moods to shift and change as we respond and adapt to life’s many challenges. Feeling sad, moody or low is common, but some of us are unable to regulate our moods, or may feel intensely sad or low for a prolonged period of time. This can severely affect how we cope and live our day-to-day lives.
It is completely normal for our moods to change as we respond to life's many challenges. Feeling sad or down is common, but some of us are unable to regulate our moods or feel very sad for long periods of time. Depression is much more than sadness - it includes a persistent feeling of dejection, worthlessness, numbness, or guilt that profoundly affects how we manage daily life.
Key Symptoms
Persistent sad or empty mood
Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
Changes in appetite and sleep patterns
Fatigue and decreased energy
Difficulty concentrating and making decisions
Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness
Types Of Mood Disorders
Major Depression
Major depression is sometimes called major depressive disorder, clinical depression, unipolar depression or simply ‘depression’
Dysthymic Disorder
The symptoms of dysthymia are similar to those of major depression but are less severe
Bipolar Disorder
This used to be known as ‘manic depression’ because the person experiences periods of depression and periods of mania, with periods of normal mood in between
Perinatal And Postnatal Depression
Women are at an increased risk of depression during pregnancy (known as the antenatal or prenatal period) and in the year following childbirth (known as the postnatal period)
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
SAD is a mood disorder that has a seasonal pattern
Almost 10% of women experience depression during pregnancy; this increases to 16% in the first 3 months after birth. Bipolar disorder affects approximately 2% of the population.
Causes and Risk Factors
Neurotransmitter imbalances (serotonin, dopamine, noradrenaline)
Genetic predisposition and family history of depression
Stressful or traumatic life events
Chronic illness or persistent pain
Social isolation and lack of emotional support
Substance abuse (alcohol, drugs)
Hormonal changes (postpartum, menopause, thyroid problems)
Side effects of certain medications
Detailed Warning Signs
Some people with depression appear to function normally, hiding behind a deceiving smile. These people often hide behind a mask of persistent dejection and fatigue.
Loss of interest in activities that once brought pleasure
Appetite or weight fluctuations
Insomnia or excessive sleeping
Constant fatigue and lack of energy
Feelings of excessive guilt or worthlessness
Difficulty concentrating and making decisions
Social withdrawal and isolation
Alcohol or substance use as a coping mechanism
Recurring thoughts about death or suicide
Our Therapeutic Approach
We offer a personalized treatment plan combining multiple therapeutic approaches.
Identifying and restructuring negative thoughts
Identifying deeply rooted emotional patterns
Behavioral activation for regaining motivation and pleasure
Self-compassion and awareness techniques
Approaches for improving interpersonal relationships
Psychological flexibility through acceptance and commitment
Heal, Restore and Thrive - We remodel your boundaries and success