Depression treatment

When do you start Depression Treatment - Depression Therapy? The first order of business is to recognise your own depression. It is important to not just sit with it. So find help, so it can disappear.

Dealing with depression can be done by recognising its meaning.

Being depressed

How do you know if you have depression? Or if it's just a dip, falling off the page? Do you not get going, stay in bed? Or do you feel gloomy? Has life become meaningless and empty? Does this feeling define every day? Is it transient?

Recognising depression

If you have depression, it almost defines your life. Then you feel empty and beaten down, sad too. There is not much fun left. This appears not only at work. But also in your family and during your free time. Even with your friends, there is little fun left.

You feel depressed at times. Everything is inconvenient, a lot is difficult. The desire to do something, to meet people is lacking. You don't feel like it, don't like it (anymore).

Symptoms of depression: types

Maybe this feeling of being depressed disappears with you, only to return after. Or is it always present? Depression varies a lot from situation to situation and moment to moment. Yet when you are depressed, you will see symptoms that often recur. Roughly, these can be categorised like this:

Being depressed: psychological

• Feelings of hopelessness and helplessness
• Low self-esteem, low self-confidence
• Suicidal thoughts
• Sadness, lack of pleasure, low libido
• Guilt, fear and anxiety
• Irritation and intolerance towards others
• Lack of motivation and interest, undecidability
• Concentration problems

This long list of psychological features shows that curing depression is often a psychotherapeutic event.

Being depressed: physical

• Delayed movement or speech
• Changed eating and sleeping habits
• Constipation, a dry mouth
• Indistinct shooting pain, trembling hands, unexplained pain
• Lack of energy, little physical need for sex
• Changes in the menstrual cycle
• Reversal of day-night rhythms and other sleep problems
• Dizziness, palpitations, chest pressure

Being depressed: social

• Performing poorly at work
• Less socially active, avoiding contact, feeling isolated
• Fewer interests and hobbies
• Difficulties with partner and children
• Quickly irritated and frustrated

Depressive feelings

When do you have severe depression? When depression has a severe and encompassing impact on your life. When your daily activities no longer work. When you can't recover on your own.

Suicide in depression

Suicide in depression can be prevented.

In these cases, you might think of suicide. As the only way out. You are then in a dark tunnel whose end you can no longer see and the walls are closing in on you. Are you thinking about suicide very specifically as you read this? Then call the suicide hotline 1813. Above all, try to recognise and also acknowledge your depression in time.

With the right help, much is possible. Your depression does not have to last.

Suicide rates Belgium

Most people with depression (about 8 in 10) suffer from suicidal thoughts. Yet only a very small proportion of them will attempt suicide. And one in 10 of those attempts lead to death. Nevertheless, depressive feelings pose a risk of suicide.

Suicidal thoughts and suicide attempt

Often, people with suicidal thoughts do not want to die. You may want a different life. You no longer want certain things or feelings in your life. Or you are desperate. This sometimes makes you think about quitting this life. Then those problems are gone immediately. But also all the rest... Suicide as the only way out.

Getting out on your own when you feel you are in a deep pit... Often very difficult. With the right (professional) help, it can be done. Because talking helps.

Causes of depression

Depression may have many different causes. Depression develops from a variety of factors. Usually, it is a combination of difficult issues from your past with current states. Moreover, biological elements and your own person also play a role in it. Without forgetting your environment in the process. So forget that your depression is caused by one thing.

Depressive feelings

One way to understand this is from the concepts of carrying load and carrying capacity. You have a certain balance in body and mind if you can handle the burdens you have to carry. If you have enough of your own strength available for it.

Depression: a definition

What is your resilience? That is a ‘carrying’, supportive environment, your talents to tolerate and cope with difficult situations. A strong social network, a set of positive experiences, both past and present, good physical health supported by healthy food, a sense of meaningfulness, sleep hygiene, enough exercise and so on.

The carrying load is the amount of stress you have to deal with, problems in your network or relationship problems, difficult experiences you went through, some physical or mental vulnerability, illness and so on.

Depression: need help?

Do you struggle with too little carrying capacity against too much carrying burden? Then there is a risk of depression.

Depression types

There are different types of depression each with their own depression definition.

Family and depression

Even if it was a long time ago, your childhood can still cause depression. Events now can awaken old and bad experiences. In particular, trauma can trigger this. Were you mistreated, abused or neglected during your childhood? Then this can suddenly rear its head. Often because of a trivial incident or event. A sleeping giant suddenly wakes up and overwhelms you.

Genetics and depression

If you are depressed there is an increased chance that some family members also had or have depression. Perhaps a genetic factor is also present. This does not mean that there is nothing you can do about your depression. But it does mean that you are more vulnerable to it. And that doesn't mean that immediately all your family would be depressed.

Passed on from generation to generation

On the other hand, things that trigger depression are often passed on from generation to generation. And this is sometimes difficult to distinguish from ‘endogenous’ depression. Treating depression then means working for future generations as well.

Depression test

It is this combination of heredity and some stressful life events, coupled with one's own, that increase the likelihood of depression.

Treating your depression yourself

You are not the only one with depression. About 8% of the population experiences depression at some point. There is no need to feel ashamed or guilty for this. You didn't ask for it or take care of it yourself. Before seeking further help, you can fight mild depression with your own remedies.

Talk about your depression

The first ones to talk to about your depression are your close family and friends. They have known you for many years and are closest to you. Explain to them what you are going through, what you are feeling. Often this provides relief, a sense of support.

GP

If this does not help, you can discuss your feelings of depression with your GP. GPs often know their patients and families for many years. Your GP will make an initial assessment of the severity of feeling depressed.

Talking can help you get out of your negative spiral. To get going and get a bird's eye view of your problem. Old grief, anger or pain can thus find an outlet in words.Give yourself enough time to do this. Processing these feelings takes time.

Give yourself time

Take time to heal your depression

Don't demand of yourself that you go back to work immediately. Or that you perform as early as tomorrow. Go step by step with simple and concrete goals that are easy to achieve.

Take care of yourself

Take care of your sleep, nutrition and exercise.

Sleep enough time, crawl into bed on time in the evening and shut your screens an hour before bedtime. Build in a short afternoon nap.

Healthy eating in depression

Take care of your diet. Avoid sugar in particular, as well as too much red meat. Eat frequent and varied vegetables, whole grains and non-refined products such as cold-pressed oil and raw honey. Choose grassbutter and not for margarines or spread-and-fry butter.

Move!

Exercise for at least two to three hours a week: walking, cycling, running, swimming, physical labour, gardening... Choose a sport you enjoy, otherwise you won't keep it up. Exercise also improves your sleep.

Alcohol and drugs

Drugs and alcohol are not a solution to depression

Avoid all alcohol and don't take drugs. Alcohol will give you a false sense of good that will be repaid to you twice over afterwards. Drugs are not only illegal but also affect your general physical and mental health. Moreover, they are very bad for your brain. And you become addicted to them.

Active against depression

Organise your life actively. Nurture your network and engage in outdoor activities. Healthy air and sunshine do good.

Vitamin D

It has since been sufficiently scientifically proven. Vitamin D works for mild depression much better than antidepressants.

Moreover, with Vitamin D, you don't have annoying side effects like impotence or lack of libido and obesity. And Vitamin D is much cheaper.

Discuss it with your GP.

Work is the message, in moderation

Keep working is the message. Nothing is as hard as sitting between the four walls of your house being depressed. While your family is at work and at school. If at all possible, keep working a few days a week so that you can fill the remaining time with relaxing, healthy and fun activities.

Depressed - therapy: what to expect

Depression treatment or depression therapy is possible at our Psychologist Practice.

You suffer from feeling dejected, depressed. It complicates your life, and that of your family, friends or colleagues.

“With my experience, I help you get out from under this black veil. In my psychotherapy, I help you choose your desires, a different life.”

-Jan Schrans

Why choose depression therapy?

• Find courage and energy to start depression therapy.
• I make sure the therapy ‘catches on’, that we get an initial view of the problem.
• With sufficient insight, therapy can be sustained and continued.
• Gradually, you gain more control over yourself, your life & your environment.
• You find back joy, desires and freedom of choice in life.

Speaking is the first thing that should happen in depression treatment at a psychotherapist.

Depression treatment: what?

The following questions often come up in depression therapy:

• What brought you into that particular depression?
• In what environment did you get it?
• What does this word evoke in you?
• What meaning do you give to your depression?
• When did you first get this feeling?

About medication

Taking medication requires careful diagnosis, dosage and follow-up. This is done by a doctor. In only 10-15 % of cases (in very severe depression) are they really necessary and effective. Note : in young people, there are indications that antidepressants increase the risk of suicide.

Medication can improve your mood, your sleeping and eating patterns and your concentration. But it takes three to six weeks for the effect of this form of depression treatment noticeable. There are often unpleasant side effects such as impotence and frigidity. And pills won't solve your problems forever. But depression therapy tries to do so.

If at all possible, this practice opts for psychotherapy without medication, preferably in consultation with your doctor.

Depression treatment: GP & family

Your GP can rule out a purely medical cause of the depression. And also refer for depression therapy to a psychotherapist and/or psychiatrist.

As a family member, you can encourage your relative to start depression treatment and stick with it.

In an extreme situation or if you are very worried, you can also call on the suicide line.

Living with someone with depression is difficult for family members and friends. For example, postnatal depression. Therapy sometimes relieves the whole family.

Manic Depressive

Tackling manic depression requires a careful examination of the depression.

We sort out your mood swings for you

People have mood disorders for very different reasons. Our psychotherapist looks at the cause and tries to find a solution to your fluctuating moods.

We make a careful diagnosis and discuss psychotherapy or counselling options with you. If necessary, we will provide you with the address of a specialised doctor. It is important that your GP rules out a physical cause.

Manic-depressive symptoms treatment

At our Psychologist Practice, we can help you find the exact cause of your mood swings. Psychologist Jan Schrans has 18 years of experience in a psychiatric hospital. Having mood swings does not have to mean manic-depressive psychosis.

Targeted advice, brief counselling or psychotherapy can help you get rid of those manic-depressive symptoms in most cases. If manic-depressive psychosis is real, it is best to consult a psychiatrist.

Learn how to recognise bipolar symptoms and why it may make sense to seek out a psychotherapist then:

Manic depressive: symptoms

•  Your actions and thoughts can't be followed
• Overly happy and elated
•  Frequent excess energy
•  Overly active
•  Huge creativity and great imagination
•  Hardly any need for sleep
•  You experience your own manic behaviour as normal

Symptoms of the depressive period are:

•  Feeling worthless and useless
•  Overtired at the slightest exertion
•  Are you losing any interest?
•  You maintain few social contacts
• Fast into a phase of total exhaustion
•  Suicidal thoughts or suicide plans overwhelm you

How do you recognise manic-depressive psychosis?

Bipolar psychosis often involves loss of reality. But not always. In this case, it is best to seek help from a psychiatrist for diagnosis and treatment. At the practice, we help you or your family member to maintain the treatment started by a doctor during a manic phase. And we offer support during a depressive phase. We also help your children.

Both diagnosis and treatment are difficult in manic-depressive psychosis.

Email: jan.schrans@gmail.com

Manic-depressive psychosis: psychotherapy.

We treat your manic-depressive psychosis differently from ordinary mood swings. Our counselling or psychotherapy is then only an additional help. In addition to medication and counselling by family, GP and psychiatrist.

We don't so much look for the causes. We mainly offer support and helpful advice. Objectives: medication adherence, bridging depressive moments, keeping yourself in control.

Children of parents with bipolar disorder

Your daughter or son may need help if you or your partner suffers from bipolar disorder.

Because young children and adolescents are very sensitive to their parents' mood. Even if you try to hide it. You are then less available, often unpredictable and sometimes you cause them anxiety and insecurity. Help from a child therapist is sometimes necessary.

We can give your child information, shelter and help to understand and learn to predict your behaviour. It can be a great relief for your child to speak to a third party. Together, we try to keep your child's development on track.

Postnatal depression

Treating postnatal depression or postpartum depression.

Depression or baby blues?

Baby blues disappear on their own after a few days. As a young mother, do you still feel lifeless, lonely, miserable or empty? And do you feel ashamed or guilty about this? Does this make this beautiful time an ordeal for yourself and your family?

Does it sour your partner relationship and your bond with the other children?

Postnatal depression: therapy sometimes a necessary step

Depressed feelings after childbirth: you are not alone. About 1 in 10 mothers suffer from it. These can be signs of postnatal depression. Discuss with your partner whether psychotherapy or an exploratory interview is needed with a psychologist .

Postnatal depression: symptoms

Postpartum depression is very similar to regular depression:

• Despondent, listless, empty and dead feelings with crying fits
• You lack motherhood. Or on the contrary you are overprotective of your child.
• Eating problems, sleep disorders, fatigue, headaches, nausea or dizziness.
• Forgetfulness, you have difficulty concentrating and are somewhat confused and touchy.
• You show a lack of self-confidence, feelings of despair, fear, inferiority.

Causes of postnatal depression.

relationship problems, moving house, the death of a loved one, past trauma, physical effects of childbirth : vMany things can trigger, cause or worsen postnatal depression.

Sometimes postnatal depression is related to unprocessed past experiences. Discuss this during postnatal depression treatment. You can also address these issues together with your psychotherapist.

Do not underestimate that miscarriage or abortion also often cause guilt, grief and mourning.

Practical advice for mothers with postpartum depression

• Talk to those around you about your sadness, despair, fear, guilt, shame, sense of failure.
• Allow your partner and family or friends to take care of you, the household and the baby.
• Accepting that it is difficult and tricky and that you are not perfect, take time for yourself.
• Look up information in libraries, on the internet or in bookshops.
• Talk about it with your GP or with a psychotherapist if necessary.

Child therapy

Postnatal depression can also be a heavy burden for the other children in the family. If this seems serious to you, consider an exploratory discussion with the child therapist. Or schedule an exploratory consultation with the psychologist.

Postpartum depression: symptoms in our psychology practice.

Treating depression is often quick. Important for this is to choose a psychologist with sufficient experience. And the right training.

Treatment postnatal depression

Therapy usually works, sometimes it is a long road. For mainly physical causes, vitamin or hormone treatment helps. Discuss this with your GP.

Six in 10 women experience postpartum depression again with a second child. Psychotherapy can sometimes prevent this by addressing it thoroughly. Postpartum depression therapy often helps to understand feelings and thoughts, give them a place or change them.

Medication can sometimes be an additional support in postnatal depression treatment. Other eating and sleeping habits, more exercise can also enhance the effect of psychotherapy.

Dejection

Dejection can hide feeling depressed.

What is dejection?

Dejection is not a scientific term. You press with dejection perhaps out that you are not feeling well.

By dejection one often understands:

• feeling of hopelessness
• feelings of guilt
• fatigue
• lack of interests
• be easily distracted
• suicidal thoughts -or plans, being depressed
• changes in sleeping and eating patterns
• changes in terms of behaviour both at work and in day-to-day living with others

Depression treatment - Depression Therapy for dejected feelings

Depression treatment - depression therapy at Psychologists' Practice: a psychotherapist can help you get clarity on your dejected feeling.

Your dejection may be understood through very specific questions in one or a few conversations. This includes whether concrete advice, counselling or psychotherapy can help you.

Is there an epidemic of dejection?

One might come to this conclusion, due to the flood of reports of dejection in the media.

Dejection in particular has become more negotiable. Because feeling dejected used to be hushed up and often not recognised. This made it seem as if dejection would be less prevalent.

Dejection: prevention

Yet about 20% of women and 10% of men do experience a period of dejection during their lifetime.

Research shows that too many people take antidepressants to get through the day.

Are you feeling dejected?

Depression in children

Treating children with depression: recognising depression is crucial.

Treating your child's depression

Children who do not feel well will develop physical complaints more quickly than adults. Other children pose behavioural problems. Still others withdraw into themselves.

It is therefore important that early intervention is possible. Consult your GP for physical complaints. Consult with school and CLB. Depression treatment in your child may be possible after consultation at the Psychologenpraktijk.

Recognising and treating depression is the job of the child psychologist.

Treating depression in your children can.

Depression in young people

Depression in young people often shows itself in:

• poor school results,difficulties at school
• Notable boredom and lethargy,sleep problems
• continuous and recurrent physical complaints, such as abdominal and headaches
• behavioural problems or drug use
• dejection
• eating disorders, drug use

Depression treatment and anxiety treatment: investing helps!

Depression treatment of anxiety: it also means profit in purely economic terms.

Treatment of depression and anxiety pays off.

Freeing up money for depression treatment and anxiety pays off. A study published on 13 April in the renowned journal “The Lancet Psychiatry” learns that releasing budget for treatment of psychological problems of depression and fear raising money.

Psychotherapy is hardly reimbursed in our country for budgetary reasons. The published article in The Lancet contradicts this. Putting money into psychotherapy brings in money.

Costs in U.S.A. due to anxiety and depression.

Annually, these psychological problems cost the United States about 1 trillion dollars.  According to the WHO, governments worldwide invest far too little in mental health care. On average, they put 3% of the budget for medical care into caring for people who are struggling mentally.

Because hundreds of millions of people in the world have mental problems. And this without having access to treatment. So that's not only a huge problem of basic healthcare. But also a problem of economic and social development.

Psychological complaints rise, investment helps.

And these mental health problems are increasing day by day, in all countries. For example, complaints like anxiety and depression increased by 50% between 1990 and 2013.

And a study in 36 countries over 15 years yields spectacular results: a $150 billion investment results in increased economic activity generating $400 billion and improved mental health generating 310 billion returns.

Action is needed.

The World Bank and WHO brought together politicians, clinicians and academics to discuss the issue on 13 and 14 April last. Forerunners include Brazil, Ethiopia and South Africa.

Read more about this in depression at WHO