Depression and anxiety

Depression and anxiety 

Depression and anxiety affect most people at some point in their lives. It is often experienced if you have been through a traumatic or stressful point in your life. Depression and anxiety can also arise from trauma during early years.

Depression and anxiety can both be treated using a wide range of interventions to suit you and your particular needs. In our practice, people are treated as individuals and treatment is planned for you as an individual. We encourage people to read about possible treatment options including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, EMDR, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy prior to the first consultation and we can discuss which treatment options appeal to you. 

What causes depression?

Depression is linked to changes in how the brain works. Many things can be considered as factors that make you vulnerable to depression.

These include:

• Stressful events like the break-up of a relationship or financial trouble

• A family history of depression

• Physical illness, such as a stroke or heart attack

• Stressful or traumatic events in childhood can lead to depression later in life

• Certain medications can cause depression in some people

• Social isolation – i.e. having no friends or family near you.

Signs to look for (symptoms)

• Persistent low, sad or depressed mood – this is described in varying ways by people, especially if they are from non-European cultures. The person may describe feeling empty, having no feelings, or may complain of pain.

• Loss of interest and pleasure in usual activities. This is a reduced ability for enjoyment. It includes loss of interest in sex.

• Irritable mood. This may be the main mood change, especially in younger people, and in men (especially from Maori and Pacific ethnic groups).

• Change in sleeping patterns. Most commonly reduced sleep, with difficulty getting to sleep, disturbed sleep, and/or waking early and being unable to go back to sleep. Some people sleep too much. Most people with depression wake feeling unrefreshed by their sleep.

• Change in appetite. Most often people do not feel like eating and as a result will have lost weight. Some people have increased appetite, often without pleasure in eating. This is often seen in those who also sleep more.

• Decreased energy, tiredness and fatigue. These feelings may be so severe that even the smallest task seems too difficult to finish.

• Physical slowing or agitation often comes with severe depression. The person may sit in one place for periods and move, respond and talk very slowly; or they may be unable to sit still, but pace and wring their hands. The same person may experience alternating slowing and agitation.

• Thoughts of worthlessness or guilt. As a result of feeling bad about themselves, people may withdraw from doing things and from contact with others.

• Thoughts of hopelessness and death. The person may feel there is no hope in life, wish they were dead or have thoughts of suicide.

• Difficulty thinking clearly. People may have difficulty in concentrating. They may not be able to read the paper or watch television. They may also have great difficulty making even simple everyday decisions.

Anxiety symptoms

• Excessive worry or fear, with associated physical symptoms such as muscle tension, pounding heart, dry mouth.

• Panic attacks. Sudden episodes of extreme anxiety and panic with physical symptoms of fear.

• Phobias. Specific fears regarding situations, objects or creatures.

• Excessive concern about physical health.

HELPLINES, SELF-TESTS, ONLINE THERAPY

• Need to talk? Free call or text 1737 any time for support from a trained counsellor.

• Depression helpline: Freephone 0800 111 757. 

• Healthline: 0800 611 116 (Available 24 hours, 7 days a week and free to callers throughout New Zealand, including from a mobile phone).

• Lifeline: 0800 543 35.

• Samaritans – 0800 726 666.

• Ministry of Health. Online self-test. 

• Big White Wall. Free for Auckland DHB residents. A UK-based professionally facilitated, peer support community of people who are experiencing common mental health problems.

• Beating the Blues. Online CBT therapy module, NZ.

• CALM Website. Exercises and information you can download.

• Depression.org.nz  including The Journal. NZ based self-help programme designed to teach you skills that can help get through mild to moderate depression more effectively.