Depression

Why do I get depressed?

Depression is the single most common mood disorder - affecting people not only in the UK, but the world.

Depression is also one of the most treatable disorders.

This is shown shown in Michael Yapko's book, 'Hypnosis and the Treatment of Depression', the first book ever written on the subject of using hypnosis in the treatment of depressed individuals. Dr. Yapko tackled the problem of depression from the perspective that families are often crucial in both the development and the recovery from depression. Depression, as he explained in his book, 'Hand me Down Blues'. Depression can exist with anxiety, stress, feelings of hopelessness and relationship and health problems. Yapko also concluded that people suffering with depression need to be taught to accept and work with ambiguous circumstances in life, to search for and focus on a meaning for their life.

Children also suffer from depression, and childhood events, such as the death of a parent, can trigger depression in later life. Workplace stress and bullying are known to be a causal factor in depression and major life changes, such as childbirth and retirement can also trigger a depressive episode.

Categories of depression?

Classifying depression is not always an easy thing to do. Some people may say they feel depressed when they are feeling low or miserable. Depression often exists alongside other problems, such as stress or anxiety.

The depressive disorders categorised in DSM-IV (The current reference used by mental health professionals to diagnose mental disorders) as Mood Disorders. Included in this category are major depressive disorder, dysthymic disorder, bipolar disorder, cyclothymic disorder, mood disorder due to a general medical condition, and substance-induced mood disorder. Two subtypes of mood disorders include seasonal affective disorder and postpartum depression, while premenstrual dysphoric disorder has been proposed as a diagnosis for further study. For each of these mood disorders there are specific criteria that a person's symptoms must meet in order to receive a diagnosis. For example, people suffering from dysthymic disorder will have had a depressed mood for at least two years (for children, the criteria is one year and may have irritable mood) and will have at least two of the following...

1. Either overeating or lack of appetite
2. Sleeping too much or having difficulty sleeping
3. Fatigue, lack of energy
4. Poor self-esteem
5. Difficulty with concentration or decision-making
6. Feeling hopeless

How depression is treated

Western medicine tends to explain depression as an 'imbalance in brain chemistry' although some 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, and poverty. This is often known as a bio psychosocial model, i.e. 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 stressful or traumatic events 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 may involve CBT, psychotherapy, counselling or medication, or a combination of both.

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."

EMDR is increasingly used in the treatment of depression, especially when it is linked to previous trauma. The treatments we use are explained in more detail below:

EMDR

Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing integrates elements of many valuable psychotherapies in a structured way designed to maximise treatment effects. These include psychodynamic, cognitive behavioural, interpersonal, experiential, and body centred therapies. EMDR seems to directly influence the way that the brain functions. It helps to restore normal ways of dealing with problems, (i.e. information processing). EMDR appears to mimic what the brain does naturally on a daily basis during dreaming or REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep.

Hypnosis

Hypnosis is extremely effective in helping a client to reach positive outcomes through using hypnotherapy. For example, once the subconscious mind is accessed it is possible to uncover unhelpful memories, deal with them, and move forward. Hypnosis is not intended to replace medication, nor is it a "magic wand" that miraculously causes all symptoms to disappear. However, it can help people find the motivation to take action, to make decisions, to change negative self-talk and build self-esteem and confidence. It can also deal with feelings of guilt and lack of self-worth. Hypnosis is a useful technique in helping someone get rid of unnecessary fears that prevent them moving on. Removal of fear of failure (or fear of success) is vital in providing a sense of direction and achievable goals. Over time, mood and energy levels increase, and clients are able to move forward with confidence

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

CBT is a form of psychotherapy that emphasises the important role of thinking in how we feel and what we do. For example, someone who is anxious would view the world as dangerous and threatening and they would believe themselves to be vulnerable and other people as hostile. The depressed person, in contrast, may see himself or herself as bad or unlovable, constantly being rejected by others in a world that was indifferent to them. A depressed person often adopts negative beliefs and assumptions about themselves, others and the world around them. The role of the cognitive therapist is to challenge these assumptions. Homework is an integral part of this process

Neuro-linguistic Programming

The basic premise of NLP is that the words we use reflect an inner, subconscious perception of our problems. If these words and perceptions are inaccurate, as long as we continue to use them and to think of them, the underlying problem will persist. The use of NLP can challenge these perceptions. You will learn to access your own strategies for successfully dealing with the world and allow the 'non-depressed you' to take precedence

Transactional Analysis

Transactional analysis is based on the belief that everyone has a child, adult and parent self within themselves and, within each social interaction, one self predominates. Some people see life as a basically benign and positive experience and themselves as basically acceptable. Eric Berne called this positive experience of self "being OK." Others decide they are not acceptable (not OK) as human beings and that they will fail in some way. These expectations, based on a decision about how life will be, become a person's existential position. By recognising these roles, a client can choose which one to adopt and so change behaviour.