Depression

Depression is a common mental health condition that affects approximately one million adults and 100,000 young people in Australia every year. On average, one in four females and one in six males are diagnosed with depression.
Whilst it is normal to feel down or blue at certain times in your life, continued symptoms for a period of more than 2 weeks may indicate that you are suffering from clinical depression.

 

If you are feeling suicidal, please seek immediate help by calling Lifeline’s 24 hour counselling service on 13 11 14.

 

What Causes Depression?

People with clinical depression experience their symptoms intensely and for prolonged periods of time. While depression can be triggered by a particular life changing event, it can also occur as a result of learned behaviours, biochemical reactions, the abuse of alcohol or drugs and personality type, or even a combination of all of these.

 

For a depression diagnosis, five or more of these symptoms will have been present during a continuous two week period and represent a significant change in a person’s previous mood and functioning.

 

Depression Symptoms

Symptoms of depression can include but are not limited to:


  • Diminished interest or pleasure in once enjoyable activities
  • Reduced ability to control your emotions
  • A continuously low mood, which may include feelings of overwhelming sadness or emptiness
  • Lack of concentration or indecisiveness
  • Feelings of guilt and worthlessness
  • Negative thoughts
  • Tiredness and loss of energy
  • Change in appetite or significant weight loss or gain
  • Feeling sluggish, body aches or slow movement
  • Recurrent thoughts of death and suicide.

 

Types of Depression include:

  • Major Depressive Disorder, also known as major depression.

 

 

  • Combined Anxiety & Depression. Anxiety disorders often accompany depression. In these instances, an individual will experience the symptoms of both anxiety and depression.

 

 

  • Adjustment Disorder with depressed mood. Is triggered by a specific distressing event such as the loss of a job or a relationship break up.

 

Treating Depression

Depression can be successfully treated, even for those with severe depression.
 
You may be reluctant to get help, but it is important to seek treatment for depression sooner rather than later as untreated depression can become chronic or recurrent.
 
At Life Resolutions, our registered psychologists play a vital role in assisting you to overcome your depression, manage your symptoms and lead a happy and fulfilling life. Contact our Client Relationship Team today to make an appointment.
 
For more information about depression, our Helpful Links page can point you in the right direction.

 

Medicare Rebates

Medicare rebates are available for psychological treatment by registered psychologists under the Australian Government’s Better Access to Mental Health Care initiative. This scheme provides considerable financial assistance to people living with mental heath problems, allowing them greater access to psychologists and providing more affordable mental healthcare.

 

To access the Medicare Rebate, you need your GP, psychiatrist or paediatrician to complete a detailed mental health assessment and prepare a Mental Health Treatment Plan before referring you to a psychologist. 

 

You may be eligible to receive Medicare rebates immediately into your bank account when paying for your session by cash, credit card, EFTPOS or cheque at all Life Resolutions® locations.

 

We can help

Click here to find your local Life Resolutions psychologist.

 

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