Treating Depression
Gates Psychology Cairns offers Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) as the treatment of choice for clients with Depression. Psychological treatment methods offer a high chance of long-term success.
Depression is a very common illness that affects at least one in four Australians within their lifetime. Many people play down the seriousness of this illness as it has few obvious symptoms, and mistakenly assume that they can work their own way out of Depression or 'snap out of it'. Unfortunately, Depression rarely resolves without specialised treatment and research has indicated that Depression is a genuine and serious illness that should be treated by suitably trained professionals.
A consultation with a Clinical Psychologist can help an individual to understand the causes of their Depression, work through issues in their lives that are having an effect on their well-being, and the adoption of some simple strategies.
Treatment also offers the opportunity for reflection, insight and personal growth.
Depression and Low Mood
Depression is a label for an assortment of symptoms. Many people are unaware that they are suffering from Depression though it is now becoming one of the most common illnesses. The causes of Depression are varied and include: pressures in the home, relationship difficulties, financial worries, poor self-esteem, work-related stress and simply being overworked.
Some symptoms associated with Depression include:- Sleep difficulties
- Loss of interest in usual activities and pleasures
- Poor concentration and memory
- Unhappiness
- Low self-esteem
- Loneliness and isolation
- Withdrawal from family and friends
- Irritability
- Tearfulness
- Feeling tired and fatigued
- Low motivation
- Changes in appetite
- Increased drug/alcohol consumption
- Lowered libido.
Types of Depression
Depression takes many different forms that include:- Major Depression (Depression that usually recurs periodically)
- Dysthymia (constant low mood without respite)
- Postnatal Depression (Depression which follows the birth of a child)
- Stress-Induced Depression
- Substance-Induced Depression
- Depression induced by a medical condition (such as Chronic Pain)
- Bipolar Disorder (formally known as Manic Depression)
- Interpersonally-based Depression.
Types of Treatment
At Gates Psychology Cairns, we will take the time to thoroughly assess your situation and listen carefully to your concerns. You will then be offered an individualised treatment program to target your specific type of Depression.
Types of treatment include:- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Interpersonal Therapy
- Effective Problem-solving
- Assertive Communication Skills
- Lifestyle Enhancement Training
- Dietary Management
- Alcohol and Drug Counselling
- Education and guidance with regard to physical treatments.
Depression and Anxiety
Through our extensive experience at Gates Psychology Cairns, we often find that Depression and Anxiety co-exist and our Clinical Psychologists are trained to treat these disorders in tandem.
Medication
Although Clinical Psychologists successfully treat Depression with various types of therapy, there may be times when a combination of therapy and medication are required to treat an individual. This is particularly the case when the symptoms of Depression are severe and there is a high degree of distress or dysfunction affecting an individual. At Gates Psychology Cairns, our Clinical Psychologists are trained in teaching behavioural and thought strategies (such as CBT) to overcome Depression. We also know when it is appropriate to refer clients for medication.
Contact Gates Psychology
(07) 4080 7326
The Boland's Centre
14 Spence St (Cnr Lake St.)
Cairns QLD 4870
Tel: (07) 4080 7326
Fax: (07) 4080 7355
