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Recognising and
Treating Depression

Depression is a condition in which a person feels discouraged, sad, hopeless, unmotivated, or disinterested in life in general. Most people feel sad or depressed at times. It’s a normal reaction to loss or life’s struggles. But when these feelings last for more than 6 months and interfere with daily activities such as taking care of family, spending time with friends, or going to work or school, it’s likely a major depressive episode. Depression can cause deep emotional pain and can impact how we think, feel and behave. Some people experience only one episode of major depression in their life, while others may go through numerous episodes of the illness.

Recognising Depression

Depression is a common mental health disorder that affects how a person feels, thinks, and handles daily activities.
Recognising the signs and symptoms is essential for seeking appropriate help.
Here are some common symptoms:

Emotional Symptoms:

Persistent Sadness: Feeling sad or “empty” most of the day.

Loss of Interest: Lack of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed.

Hopelessness: Feeling hopeless, pessimistic, or seeing no reason for living.

Irritability: Increased irritability or frustration, even over small matters.

Guilt: Feeling worthless or excessively guilty about past actions.

Cognitive Symptoms:

Difficulty Concentrating: Trouble focusing, making decisions, or remembering things.

Negative Thought Patterns: Persistent negative thoughts, including self-criticism or self-blame.

Physical Symptoms:

Fatigue: Feeling tired or having little energy.

Changes in Sleep: Insomnia, waking up too early, or sleeping too much.

Appetite Changes: Weight loss or gain unrelated to dieting; changes in appetite.

Slowed Movements: Observable slowing of physical movements or speech.

Unexplained Aches and Pains: Physical complaints with no clear cause.

Behavioural Symptoms:

Withdrawal: Pulling away from friends and family.

Neglecting Responsibilities: Difficulty keeping up with work, school, or home responsibilities.

Self-Harm or Suicidal Thoughts: Thoughts of death or suicide, or self-harming behaviours.

Therapy:

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): A structured, time-limited therapy that focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviours.

Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): Focuses on improving interpersonal relationships and social functioning.

Psychodynamic Therapy: Explores unconscious thoughts and feelings that influence current behaviour.

Behavioural Activation: Encourages engagement in enjoyable activities to counteract the inactivity and withdrawal often seen in depression.

Some Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Medicare Plan?
You can ask your GP to prepare a Mental Health Care Plan under Better Access Scheme. Alternatively, you can claim the sessions with your private insurance, if you are covered for psychology session.
How much does it cost?
The cost of a session is $250. Medicare will pay back $96.65 back to your nominated account. Once you reached the safety net you will receive $219.35 back from Medicare.
How many sessions do I need?
The length of the treatment will be established on a one-on-one case, depending on the severity of the condition and progress.
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