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Depression Treatment Melbourne

Depression SYMPTOMS

Depression is a serious psychological condition that negatively affects the way a person feels, thinks and behaves. It is also known as major depressive disorder or clinical depression. As a mood disorder, depression is associated with a range of emotional and physical problems. A person may experience pervasive feelings of sadness, fatigue, and loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyable.
Individuals suffering from depression will experience five or more symptoms* during a continuous two-week period from this list:
  • Feeling depressed for most of the day, nearly every day.
  • Noticeable decrease in interest or enjoyment in almost all activities throughout the day, nearly every day.
  • Experiencing significant changes in weight (either loss or gain) without intentional dieting, or experiencing changes in appetite nearly every day.
  • Slowing down of thoughts and physical movements that others can observe, not just personal feelings of restlessness or being slowed down.
  • Persistent fatigue or lack of energy almost every day.
  • Feeling a sense of worthlessness or excessive/inappropriate guilt on a frequent basis.
  • Having difficulty thinking, concentrating, or making decisions almost every day.
  • Recurrent thoughts of death, suicidal thoughts without a specific plan, or previous suicide attempts or specific plans for committing suicide.
*Additionally, at least one of the symptoms should be either a depressed mood or a loss of interest or pleasure.
For a diagnosis of depression to be made, these symptoms must lead to significant distress or impairment in important aspects of the individual's social, occupational, or overall functioning.
Why you shouldn't diagnose yourself
This page is for information purposes only and is not intended for self-diagnosis. The symptoms described can also be attributable to certain medical conditions, medication, illicit drugs, or other psychological disorders.
Source: American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596
Images: Man behind a plastic bag touching it with his palm, user56879305, Wirestock - Freepik.com Rear view woman standing with arms outstretched, Wavebreakmedia_Micro - Freepik.com
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Crisis SUPPORT

Click on the image to download the PDF. Please note that this practice is not equipped to provide crisis support. If you experience strong thoughts relating to self-harm, please seek help immediately. This document lists contact details for 24/7 Mental Health Services including Emergency 000, Lifeline, Kids Helpline, Beyond Blue, MensLine Australia, Open Arms, and Suicide Call Back Service.

HOW CAN I BENEFIT FROM THERAPY FOR depression?

Psychotherapy and hypnotherapy can be valuable tools in treating depression by helping individuals access and modify their underlying cognitive and emotional processes. Initially, a thorough case history will be taken by the therapist in your first session. This involves gathering information about your background, experiences, and the specific symptoms of your depression. This approach allows the therapist to tailor treatment to your specific needs. As well as identifying the presence of any negative thought patterns, limiting beliefs, or past traumas that are contributing to your depressed mood, your goals for therapy will also be discussed.
Hypnotherapy utilizes various techniques to help you cultivate more resourceful thinking patterns, integrate better coping strategies and identify any blind spots. Through the use of suggestions and visualization techniques, you will be guided into a relaxed state where your subconscious mind can become more receptive to positive suggestions.

Remember that you are not alone, and with the right support, treatment, and time, there is hope for brighter days ahead.

At Barwon Hypnotherapy, empowering individuals and involving them actively in their own treatment is crucial for successful outcomes. By targeting the subconscious mind, clinical hypnosis can facilitate the exploration of deeply rooted beliefs and assumptions that contribute to depressive thinking patterns. This process may help you develop a deeper understanding of how your thoughts influence your emotions, and build the mental and emotional tools necessary for your journey towards recovery. One of the key advantages of hypnotherapy in treating depression is its ability to address the root causes of the condition. Whilst traditional talk therapy primarily focuses on conscious thoughts and behaviors, hypnotherapy delves into the underlying subconscious patterns and unresolved emotional issues. By working directly with the subconscious mind, hypnotherapy can uncover and heal deep-seated emotional wounds, trauma, or unresolved conflicts that may contribute to depression. This holistic approach can facilitate a more comprehensive and lasting resolution of depressive symptoms. Another way in which hypnotherapy aids in overcoming depression is by promoting relaxation, stress reduction, and emotional balance. During hypnosis, individuals can experience a deep state of relaxation, which helps alleviate anxiety, tension, and other stress-related factors that often accompany depression. By inducing a state of profound relaxation, hypnotherapy encourages the release of endorphins and serotonin, the "feel-good" hormones, which can elevate mood and create a sense of calmness. Additionally, hypnotherapy can equip individuals with valuable coping mechanisms and self-help techniques to manage depressive symptoms and promote emotional well-being in their daily lives.
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learn to REDUCE DEPRESSION IN THE COMFORT OF YOUR HOME

Join me for a free 30-minute Zoom consultation to discuss how depression and/or anxiety is impacting your life and the results you desire. You're welcome to ask any questions about your treatment options and what to expect in terms of progress. I'm here to listen, advise, and guide you towards the best solutions. If I can't help, I'll provide referrals to other trusted providers. Book your consultation today! - Melissiah, Practice Manager
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