Depression

Depression is very common within the population, and many can relate with shared feelings of low mood, “blues” or even no feelings at all which can be described as “flat” or simply void of pleasure. However, depression is merely a blanket term and having a low mood can translate to so many different possibilities since the symptoms of depression run in parallel with many other disorders such as bipolar disorder, PTSD, BPD, dissociation, ADHD, medication or medically induced depression or psychotic depression to name a few. This is important, because the treatment approaches are vastly different for each so getting the DIAGNOSIS RIGHT is important. You may have depression if you experience:

  • Sleep Disturbances

  • Loss of Interest with Your Previous Enjoyed Hobbies/Activities

  • Feelings of Guilt, Hopelessness or Low Self-Esteem.

  • Decreased Motivation and Energy Levels

  • Difficulty with Concentration

  • Appetite or Weight Changes

  • Psychomotor Restlessness or Slowing

  • Thoughts of Harming Yourself

Overlooked Causes of Depression

  • Obstructive Sleep Apnea

  • Sleep, Exercise or Diet Dysfunction

  • Anemia

  • Thyroid Deficiencies

  • Micronutrient Deficiencies

  • Restless Leg Syndrome

  • Chronic Pain

The Science Part…

First, it is important to mention that there is no evidence that depression results from an inherent chemical imbalance in the brain. The “chemical imbalance theory” is just that, a theory. Depression is more complex and appears to involve changes in how depressed individuals process information and how they view the world around them. They tend to focus more on the negative components of life and develop a tendency towards negative emotional processing. As these negative thought patterns accumulate and build, they unconsciously start to reinforce the depressed behavior trapping people in a vicious cycle. This explains why CBT is such an effect intervention for treating depression, because it targets your inner dialogue and negative thought processes.

The Treatment Part…

Since there are so many different presentations of depression, treatment begins with first making the right diagnosis. Then, a care plan is created that is unique to each individual based on their lived experience, symptoms, concerns and goals. I can’t stress enough that treatment is tailored to each individual. However, a general framework to be explored in no particular order is as follows:

  • Diet, Sleep, Exercise & Social Engagement

  • Mindfulness for Relaxation, Worry Control & Problem Solving

  • Identifying Your Core Beliefs and Changing Negative Ones

  • Uncovering the Dangers of Automatic Thoughts & the Role they Play

  • Reframing Automatic Thoughts & Self Compassion

  • Behavioral Activation

  • Value Identification and Putting these Values into Action

  • Identify Unhealthy Habits & Negative Affective Bias

  • Discuss Pros/Cons of medication options if needed