Depression

How common is depression?
Classifying Depression
What causes depression?
Treatment for depression
How Hypno-psychotherapy can help

How common is depression?

Depression is repeatedly referred to as 'the most common mental health problem' among women as well as a problem that women are particularly prone to. Women are 2-3 times more likely to suffer depression than men and statistics from the Department of Health (1999) show 50% of all women will suffer depression at some point in their lives.

Mixed anxiety/depression is also a common women's problem. Both anxiety and depression can be triggered by stressful life events or adversity. Depression is also most common among women caring for children under 5.

Classifying depression

Mild depression

Whilst many women report feeling low or depressed (common terms in everyday speech) at times as well as reporting stress or anxiety, feelings of tiredness and disturbed sleep, those feeling depressed or suffering mild depression may receive anti-depressants by their GP.

Depressive disorder

Depressive Disorder is a more serious condition and may include:

Depressed mood virtually every day for most of the day (feeling sad, empty, tearful)
Loss of interests or loss of pleasure in activities
Significant weight loss or change of appetite
Insomnia or hypersomnia most days
Agitation, restlessness (which must be noticed by others)
Fatigue or loss of energy most days
Feeling worthless, excessively guilty most days
Problems with concentration, difficulty making decisions
Recurrent suicidal thoughts

(DSM-IV in Stoppard 2000)

A diagnosis of Depressive Disorder is generally made by a mental health professional and is often be triggered by severe, negative stressful events - particularly those which entail loss, disruption, humiliation or entrapment. Women who receive social or emotional support may be protected against clinical depression following such events. (Read more about environmental causes of depression)

What causes depression?

Whilst traditional western medicine tends to explain depression as an 'imbalance in brain chemistry' other research challenges this biochemical explanation suggesting a link between symptoms and social or environmental factors – relationships, bereavement, following childbirth, stressful events, unemployment, social/economic/financial problems, single parenthood, poverty and, for women, what's described as the “double day”– a name for the working woman’s experience of juggling work and childcare or household responsibilities.

Whilst depression is therefore thought to be caused by an interaction of biological, psychological and social factors, the influence and effect of environment is considered the most significant cause in the onset of depression with stress, stressful or traumatic events or chronic stress triggering depression.

Lack of social support or isolation, in particular the lack of an intimate confidant with whom one feels valued, can also lead to depression.

Those who have suffered negative or stressful childhood experiences are also more prone to depression as early negative experiences can change brain physiology. Low self-esteem has been found to lead to a vulnerability to developing depression. Treatment for depression should therefore consider and address both early and present environment.

Treatment for depression

Treatment for depression may involve either CBT, Psychotherapy/Counselling or medication or a combination of both. Studies show that both medication and CBT Psychotherapy/Counselling are effective. However recent studies have raised some concerns about the safety of antidepressants during pregnancy. Expert guidelines caution however that severe depression should always be treated with medication.

How Hypno-Psychotherapy can help

According to Yapko's review on hypnosis and psychotherapy for depression: there is ample evidence that psychotherapy for depression can be highly effective" especially with the added use of hypnosis. He also notes:

"There is growing empirical support for the use of hypnosis. Research suggests that hypnosis is a measure linked to positive changes in depressive patients, encouraging a sense of personal empowerment whilst combating depressive symptoms"
"Hypnosis is also shown to be useful in treating pain, anxiety, and numerous other physical and psychological problems often associated with depression."

Clinical trials also show CBT Psychotherapy/Counselling to be as effective in treating depression as anti-depressant medication.

To find out more about natural, psychological treatments for depression and to discuss your situation Contact Persephone now for your free consultation.

Disclaimer

NB: this is not intended as medical advice. If you think you are suffering from depression you should see your GP for medical assessment and to discuss treatments options including the benefits and risks of pharmacological therapy. Whilst Hypnotherapy/CBT psychotherapy are clinically recommended options for depression and can be used both alternatively to or alongside anti-depressant treatment this information should not be used as an alternative to seeking medical advice.

See Article on Effectiveness of psychotherapy and hypnosis for depression