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Depression Treatment
Depression is a common mental health condition that can profoundly impact a person’s life. The conventional approach to treating depression typically involves medication and psychotherapy, which can be effective for many individuals. However, depression is a complex condition with a range of potential underlying causes, and as such, there may be more therapeutic options available than are currently being utilized.
While medication and psychotherapy are powerful tools for managing depression, they may not work for everyone. Additionally, research has uncovered a range of alternative and complementary treatments for depression, including lifestyle changes such as exercise, diet, and sleep, as well as complementary therapies like acupuncture, massage, and natural remedies such as herbal supplements or mindfulness-based practices.
It is also worth acknowledging that mainstream treatment options do not always represent the most effective or cutting-edge approaches to depression treatment. The mental health field is constantly evolving, with new research and innovations always emerging. As such, it is essential to stay informed and explore a range of treatment options to find the best possible approach for managing depression and promoting overall well-being.
By broadening the scope of depression treatment and exploring a range of therapeutic options, individuals with depression may be able to find a more personalized and effective approach to managing their condition and ultimately find greater relief from its symptoms.
The Evolution Of Depression Treatment
Depression is a complex mental health condition known to affect individuals for centuries. Over time, the understanding of depression and its treatment has evolved significantly, leading to the development of various interventions and approaches to addressing this condition.
In the early 20th century, depression was viewed as a disorder caused by maladaptive personality traits and a lack of willpower. This led to the development of treatments such as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and psychosurgery, which aimed to alter the brain’s functioning to treat depression. While these treatments were initially effective, they were also associated with significant side effects, including memory loss and other cognitive impairments.
In the 1950s, the first antidepressant medication, imipramine, was developed. This marked a significant shift in the treatment of depression, as it introduced the idea that depression could be treated with medication that targeted specific neurotransmitters in the brain. This led to the development of other medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), that are widely used today to treat depression. Medication is often combined with psychotherapy, which has been shown to manage depression symptoms effectively.
In the 1980s, cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) emerged as a treatment for depression. CBT is a form of psychotherapy that aims to help individuals identify and challenge negative thoughts and beliefs that contribute to depression. This approach has been shown to be effective in managing depression symptoms and preventing relapse.
In recent years, newer approaches to treating depression have emerged, such as mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).
MBCT is a form of psychotherapy that combines mindfulness practices with cognitive-behavioural techniques to manage depression symptoms. TMS is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique that has shown promise in treating depression that is resistant to medication.
Overall, the evolution of depression treatment has been significant, moving from psychosurgery and ECT to the use of medication and psychotherapy and, more recently, the development of newer approaches like MBCT and TMS. While depression can be challenging to treat, these advancements have provided individuals with more options for managing their symptoms and improving their overall quality of life. It is important to note that depression treatment is not a one-size-fits-all approach, and it may take time to find the right combination of interventions that work best for each individual.
Depression Treatments And Therapies

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)
In cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), a therapist will work with you to uncover unhealthy or harmful thought patterns and identify how they may be causing harmful behaviours, reactions, and beliefs about yourself.
Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) is a type of psychotherapy that combines elements of cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) with mindfulness practices. It was initially developed as a treatment for individuals with a history of depression who were at risk of relapse. MBCT aims to help individuals develop a new relationship with their thoughts and feelings, allowing them to respond to difficult situations more adaptively.
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain. TMS is typically used as a treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD) that has not responded to other treatments, such as medication and psychotherapy.
An “Action Plan” often accompanies CBT sessions; your therapist may ask you to track the events of the week in a journal and any self-defeating and negative reactions to those events. Additionally, you will be asked to practice relaxation activities, complete readings, and use worksheets focused on specific goals.
Dr Aaron T. Beck at the University of Pennsylvania first developed the practice of cognitive behavioral therapy in the 1960s. It is the most common and effective treatment for depression, with research suggesting that CBT may have a lasting effect that can prevent future relapses of depressive symptoms.
The therapy is typically delivered in a group setting, with weekly sessions that last around two hours. Each session includes a combination of mindfulness exercises, cognitive-behavioral techniques, and group discussion. Participants are encouraged to practice mindfulness exercises outside of the therapy sessions, with the goal of incorporating mindfulness into their daily lives.
The mindfulness exercises used in MBCT are based on mindfulness meditation practices, which involve focusing on the present moment and observing thoughts and feelings without judgment. This helps individuals to become more aware of their thoughts and feelings, which can help them to disengage from unhelpful patterns of thinking that contribute to depression.
Cognitive-behavioral techniques used in MBCT include identifying negative thought patterns and developing alternative ways of thinking. This can help individuals to challenge negative thoughts and beliefs that contribute to depression, and develop more adaptive ways of thinking.
MBCT has been shown to be effective in preventing relapse in individuals with a history of depression. It has also been used as a treatment for other mental health conditions, including anxiety disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). MBCT is considered to be a transdiagnostic approach, meaning that it can be used to treat a range of different conditions, rather than being specific to a particular diagnosis.
During a TMS session, the patient sits in a chair and a magnetic coil is placed over their scalp. The coil produces a magnetic field that passes through the skull and into the brain, where it stimulates nerve cells. The magnetic field is targeted to a specific area of the brain that is associated with mood regulation.
TMS is typically administered over a series of daily sessions that last around 20-30 minutes each. A typical course of TMS treatment may involve around 20-30 sessions over a period of four to six weeks.
The exact mechanism of action of TMS in treating depression is not fully understood, but it is believed that the magnetic fields stimulate nerve cells in the brain, leading to changes in brain activity and the release of neurotransmitters that are associated with mood regulation.
TMS is generally considered safe and well-tolerated, with few side effects. The most common side effects of TMS are mild to moderate scalp discomfort and headache. In rare cases, TMS may cause seizures, particularly in individuals with a history of seizures or epilepsy.
TMS has been shown to be an effective treatment for depression, particularly in individuals who have not responded to other treatments. TMS is also being studied as a treatment for other mental health conditions, including anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

Psychotherapy

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Psychodynamic Therapy
Psychotherapy (commonly known as Talk Therapy) can be an effective form of treatment for depression because it can help you delve into possible underlying reasons for your depressive feelings and learn new skills to cope.
Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) is similar to CBT. DBT‘s primary goal is to teach people how to live in the moment, develop healthy ways to cope with stress, regulate emotions, and improve relationships with others. DBT puts a specific emphasis on validating or accepting uncomfortable thoughts, feelings, and behaviours instead of fighting them.
Psychodynamic therapy is a talk therapy designed to help you better understand and cope with your daily life. Psychodynamic therapy explores the idea that your present-day reality is shaped by your unconscious childhood experiences. Psychodynamic therapy examines your childhood and experiences to help you understand and cope with your life.
Psychotherapy is when a person talks to a trained therapist to identify and learn to cope with the facets that contribute to their mental health condition, such as depression.
Psychotherapy helps you comprehend the emotions, behaviors and ideas contributing to depression symptoms and look into life problems or events that have occurred that contribute to these symptoms whilst helping to understand which aspects of the problem may be able to be solved or improved. Psychotherapy helps you to regain a sense of control and pleasure in life whilst giving you coping techniques and problem-solving skills. Psychotherapy is often used alongside pharmaceutical treatment.
DBT’s main focus is on the development of mindfulness skills. Developing the ability to observe your thoughts, feelings, sensations, and impulses. Focus is applied to tuning into what’s around you, what you see, hear, smell, and touch. The mindfulness skills taught in Dialectical Behavioural Therapy help to slow down and focus on the use of coping skills during periods of emotional pain. The strategy can also help reduce unchecked negative thought patterns and impulsive behaviours.
In psychodynamic therapy, therapists help you gain insight into your lives and present-day problems. They also evaluate patterns you may have developed over time. To do this, therapists review certain life factors, emotions, thoughts, early-life experiences and beliefs with a person in therapy. Recognising recurring patterns can help you see how to avoid distress or develop defense mechanisms to cope. This insight may allow you to begin changing those patterns.

Float Tanks

Brainwave Entrainment

Trauma Release Exercises (TRE)
Floating is a more recent addition to the wellness therapy landscape, becoming hugely popular in the past decade. Float tanks are known for supporting the reduction of stress, improving mental and emotional issues and general self-improvement. Float tanks are little pods that act like sensory deprivation chambers, increasing your ability to relax and ‘switch off. As the name suggests, you float, in body-temperature water, with low or no light.
Brainwave Entrainment is a form of light therapy that aims to reduce mental and emotional stress through changes in the frequency of brainwaves. In the same way that medication seeks to alter brain chemistry, brainwave entrainment seeks to alter brainwave activity.
Trauma-release exercises tap into the body’s ability to release old stress responses from muscle tissue. This can sound a little strange until it’s explained properly. We are learning that much of our trauma and stress are actually stored in the body, as opposed to just the brain. This is where trauma and stress-release exercises come in.
Float tank therapy research shows promising results in reducing blood pressure and blood cortisol levels, improving recovery after sports and other physiological improvements. It’s also been shown to help manage anxiety symptoms and can even be helpful in dealing with addiction. Shutting down the sensory input to the brain for an hour enables improvement in output and functionality. Simply put, it may be that floating is beneficial because we are so over-stimulated; and that just by resting our brains, it is able to perform better in ways that can even help mental health.
When neurophysiology researchers scan the brains of Buddhist monks, they see consistently different brainwave patterns than they do when they scan the brain of stressed-out executives. This is because the brain is primarily an electric organ whose fundamental output can be measured in terms of its bioelectric output.
By stimulating brain cells with light that matches the frequency of happy, relaxed brain waves, entrainment aims to alter mood and mental function in people suffering from trauma & PTSD symptoms. Many trauma & PTSD sufferers report dramatic alterations in their mood and mental function after even a handful of Brainwave Entrainment sessions.
Brainwave Entrainment still sits very much on the margins of popular and well-known care options for trauma & PTSD symptoms. In much the same way that EMDR Therapy did a short time ago. It should be interesting to see where Brainwave Entrainment research leads in years to come.
Think of the way chronic stress can lead to a build-up of muscle tension over time. In the sense we often notice if we are receiving a shoulder massage. That tension actually builds up through countless unprocessed fight/flight/freeze responses firing off in the muscle tissue. Many of the symptoms that Trauma & PTSD sufferers face are caused by these types of build-ups.
When done repeatedly, trauma releases exercises help release primitive ‘stressy’ build-ups from the body’s tissues and can have an absolutely profound impact on the symptoms of stress, trauma & PTSD.

Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)
EMDR Therapy uses therapist-led eye movements in combination with a recall of stressful events. The combination of specific recall and eye movements boosts nerve impulses between the brain hemispheres and takes the emotion out of unprocessed and stressful life events.
EMDR is a psychotherapy method developed by Francine Shapiro in the 1980s. It was originally developed to alleviate the emotional discomfort associated with traumatic memories. Which are the cause of PTSD and a vast array of other mental and physical complaints
In EMDR sessions, you are asked to recall distressing experiences whilst being guided through side-to-side eye movement or physical stimulation, such as tapping either side of the body. It is thought that by stimulating nerve activity between the brain hemispheres somehow, the nervous system is able to re-integrate and process difficult memories. EMDR eye movements ‘unplug’ traumatic memories from the strong emotions we feel when we recall them. After EMDR sessions, the intense feelings associated with the past event can be dramatically reduced.
Lifestyle Modifications

Healthy Eating

Exercise

Alcohol
Eating healthy is not only good for your body, but it will help improve your overall mood. Focus on cutting out or reducing junk food and limiting foods that are high in refined sugar and saturated fats can make a significant difference in how you feel. Whilst reducing certain foods is important, so is incorporating healthier foods, including fatty acids and vitamins.
Light therapy, also known as phototherapy, is a treatment involving exposure to an artificial light source. It may improve depression symptoms by aligning your biological clock to your brain’s circadian rhythm. It also helps to balance the activation of serotonin circuitry in your brain, which is a key component in mood regulation and contributes to stable and consistent sleep patterns.
In the moment, drinking alcohol may make you feel better. It can help you to feel confident or relaxed and even allows you to take your mind off things. In the long run, however, it can make depression symptoms worse.
Fatty Acid may help reduce depression symptoms as essential fats are necessary for neurological development and brain health. Simply add omega-3 supplements to your diet or look at the following foods to support better brain health.
- nuts
- fish
- nut butter
- fatty fish
- avocado
- olive oil
Vitamins are important to many bodily functions; however, there are two vitamins that are especially beneficial for reducing symptoms of depression; Vitamin B: B-12 and B-6 are vital to brain health and Vitamin D: Vitamin D is essential for brain, heart, and bone health.
Bright Light Therapy (BLT) was initially developed for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
by Rosenthal in the 1980s. However it can also help with major depressive disorder (MDD). Doses of white light exposure can help regulate your mood and improve symptoms of depression.
Alcohol is a depressant; it works by altering the balance of chemicals in your brain. Because of this, alcohol can contribute to and worsen symptoms of depression, stress, anxiety, mood disorders, suicidality, self-harm and psychosis. Additionally, because it removes inhibitions and increases recklessness, it can also put you more at risk of harming yourself and others around you.
Alcohol can also interact with any medication you are taking for mental health or other conditions. Meaning it may be important not to drink alcohol at all or to limit your intake if you are taking certain medicines.
When done repeatedly, trauma releases exercises help release primitive ‘stressy’ build-ups from the body’s tissues and can have an absolutely profound impact on the symptoms of stress, trauma & PTSD.

Sleep

Bright Light Therapy (BLT)

Meditation
Unfortunately, depression and sleep are closely connected, with most people with depression experiencing sleep issues. The connection is tightened as depression and sleep issues have a bidirectional relationship. This means that inadequate sleep can contribute to the development of depression, and having depression can make a person more likely to develop sleep issues.
When you have depression, exercise often feels like the last thing you want to do. However, exercise can make a big difference if you can get motivated.
Meditation exercises can help improve symptoms of depression and lower your chances of a depression relapse. Stress, anger and anxiety are triggers of depression, but meditation can help change the way your brain responds to these emotions. There are numerous ways to learn meditation, via apps like Calm, Youtube videos or publications, but also via online or in-person classes.
Sleep issues may contribute to the development of depression through modifications in the function of the neurotransmitter serotonin. Sleep disruptions can affect the body’s stress system, disrupting circadian rhythms and increasing vulnerability for depression. So look for ways to improve your sleep hygiene whilst relieving symptoms of depression – think about:
- Maintain a good sleep schedule – Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day.
- Limit blue light – Stop using electronic devices at least two hours before bed.
- Reduce Time on Line – Limit your time on social media to help reduce feelings of being overwhelmed.
- Connections – Having strong personal relationships can help reduce the effects of depression, supporting feelings of personal fulfilment, which can also help you sleep.
- Meditating – Close your eyes, clear your mind, and focus on your breathing prior to bed.
Bright Light Therapy (BLT) was initially developed for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
by Rosenthal in the 1980s. However it can also help with major depressive disorder (MDD). Doses of white light exposure can help regulate your mood and improve symptoms of depression.
Meditation classes can be an excellent way to get the type of benefits you might look for in hypnotherapy; by learning to gain better control of your own brain. Research has shown that meditation and mindfulness can help with a vast range of mental health challenges. In 2013 the Journal Of Clinical Psychiatry published an article based on the first randomised controlled trial on mindfulness meditation for generalised anxiety. The study concluded that meditation may have a beneficial effect on anxiety symptoms and may also improve stress reactivity and coping mechanisms. Meditation classes are, in many ways, a preferable option when it comes to self-taught meditation, especially if you are, in fact, trying to use meditation to help with an issue like depression. As is often the case, we can progress much quicker under guidance when learning new skills.

Acupuncture

Medications
Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that may help relieve some symptoms of depression.
Medication is a means of altering brain chemistry to bring relief from depression. This can bring a great deal of relief from the symptoms of depression. Yet, for many other people, medication as a treatment for their depression either has no effect or even makes matters worse.
Acupuncture as a treatment for depression has increasingly become the subject of research. However, there’s little consensus about its effectiveness. This is largely because this treatment is challenging to investigate within controlled conditions, so most current research available is of low quality. Nevertheless, acupuncture for depression continues to grow in popularity.
During acupuncture, needles are used by a practitioner to stimulate specific areas in the body in order to treat a range of conditions. For mood-related health concerns, the needles are inserted by the acupuncturist into points on your body that connect to your negative emotions. The needles are thought to fix blocked energy or imbalances in your body, which also influence your mind.
After your acupuncturist has inserted needles, you lie still on a table in a peaceful setting, with calming music and mood lighting. It’s not difficult to imagine that allow might help you feel better, regardless of whether acupuncture actually treats depression.
A variety of groups or classes of antidepressants are available in New Zealand. Each class works on different chemicals in your brain. Your healthcare professional may prescribe:
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
- SSRIs are the most typically prescribed antidepressant medications and tend not to have many side effects. They treat depression by increasing the availability of the neurotransmitter serotonin in your brain.
- Examples include fluoxetine, sertraline, paroxetine, citalopram and escitalopram.
Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
- SNRIs treat depression by increasing the quantity of the neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine in your brain.
- Example Include: venlafaxine
Tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants (TCAs)
- TCAs treat depression by increasing the amount of the neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine in your brain.
- Examples include amitriptyline, clomipramine, dosulepin, imipramine, and nortriptyline.
Monoamine-oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
- MAOIs ease depression by affecting chemical messengers (neurotransmitters) used to communicate between brain cells. They are rarely used due to their side effects and the number of interactions with medicines and foods.
- Examples include tranylcypromine.
Depression Treatments And Therapies

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
In cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), a therapist will work with you to uncover unhealthy or harmful thought patterns and identify how they may be causing harmful behaviours, reactions, and beliefs about yourself.
An “Action Plan” often accompanies CBT sessions; your therapist may ask you to track the events of the week in a journal and any self-defeating and negative reactions to those events. Additionally, you will be asked to practice relaxation activities, complete readings, and use worksheets focused on specific goals.
Dr Aaron T. Beck at the University of Pennsylvania first developed the practice of cognitive behavioral therapy in the 1960s. It is the most common and effective treatment for depression, with research suggesting that CBT may have a lasting effect that can prevent future relapses of depressive symptoms.

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)
Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) is a type of psychotherapy that combines elements of cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) with mindfulness practices. It was initially developed as a treatment for individuals with a history of depression who were at risk of relapse. MBCT aims to help individuals develop a new relationship with their thoughts and feelings, allowing them to respond to difficult situations more adaptively.
The therapy is typically delivered in a group setting, with weekly sessions that last around two hours. Each session includes a combination of mindfulness exercises, cognitive-behavioral techniques, and group discussion. Participants are encouraged to practice mindfulness exercises outside of the therapy sessions, with the goal of incorporating mindfulness into their daily lives.
The mindfulness exercises used in MBCT are based on mindfulness meditation practices, which involve focusing on the present moment and observing thoughts and feelings without judgment. This helps individuals to become more aware of their thoughts and feelings, which can help them to disengage from unhelpful patterns of thinking that contribute to depression.
Cognitive-behavioral techniques used in MBCT include identifying negative thought patterns and developing alternative ways of thinking. This can help individuals to challenge negative thoughts and beliefs that contribute to depression, and develop more adaptive ways of thinking.
MBCT has been shown to be effective in preventing relapse in individuals with a history of depression. It has also been used as a treatment for other mental health conditions, including anxiety disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). MBCT is considered to be a transdiagnostic approach, meaning that it can be used to treat a range of different conditions, rather than being specific to a particular diagnosis.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain. TMS is typically used as a treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD) that has not responded to other treatments, such as medication and psychotherapy.
During a TMS session, the patient sits in a chair and a magnetic coil is placed over their scalp. The coil produces a magnetic field that passes through the skull and into the brain, where it stimulates nerve cells. The magnetic field is targeted to a specific area of the brain that is associated with mood regulation.
TMS is typically administered over a series of daily sessions that last around 20-30 minutes each. A typical course of TMS treatment may involve around 20-30 sessions over a period of four to six weeks.
The exact mechanism of action of TMS in treating depression is not fully understood, but it is believed that the magnetic fields stimulate nerve cells in the brain, leading to changes in brain activity and the release of neurotransmitters that are associated with mood regulation.
TMS is generally considered safe and well-tolerated, with few side effects. The most common side effects of TMS are mild to moderate scalp discomfort and headache. In rare cases, TMS may cause seizures, particularly in individuals with a history of seizures or epilepsy.
TMS has been shown to be an effective treatment for depression, particularly in individuals who have not responded to other treatments. TMS is also being studied as a treatment for other mental health conditions, including anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy (commonly known as Talk Therapy) can be an effective form of treatment for depression because it can help you delve into possible underlying reasons for your depressive feelings and learn new skills to cope.
Psychotherapy is when a person talks to a trained therapist to identify and learn to cope with the facets that contribute to their mental health condition, such as depression.
Psychotherapy helps you comprehend the emotions, behaviors and ideas contributing to depression symptoms and look into life problems or events that have occurred that contribute to these symptoms whilst helping to understand which aspects of the problem may be able to be solved or improved. Psychotherapy helps you to regain a sense of control and pleasure in life whilst giving you coping techniques and problem-solving skills. Psychotherapy is often used alongside pharmaceutical treatment.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) is similar to CBT. DBT‘s primary goal is to teach people how to live in the moment, develop healthy ways to cope with stress, regulate emotions, and improve relationships with others. DBT puts a specific emphasis on validating or accepting uncomfortable thoughts, feelings, and behaviours instead of fighting them.
DBT’s main focus is on the development of mindfulness skills. Developing the ability to observe your thoughts, feelings, sensations, and impulses. Focus is applied to tuning into what’s around you, what you see, hear, smell, and touch. The mindfulness skills taught in Dialectical Behavioural Therapy help to slow down and focus on the use of coping skills during periods of emotional pain. The strategy can also help reduce unchecked negative thought patterns and impulsive behaviours.

Psychodynamic Therapy
Psychodynamic therapy is a talk therapy designed to help you better understand and cope with your daily life. Psychodynamic therapy explores the idea that your present-day reality is shaped by your unconscious childhood experiences. Psychodynamic therapy examines your childhood and experiences to help you understand and cope with your life.
In psychodynamic therapy, therapists help you gain insight into your lives and present-day problems. They also evaluate patterns you may have developed over time. To do this, therapists review certain life factors, emotions, thoughts, early-life experiences and beliefs with a person in therapy. Recognising recurring patterns can help you see how to avoid distress or develop defense mechanisms to cope. This insight may allow you to begin changing those patterns.

Float Tanks
Floating is a more recent addition to the wellness therapy landscape, becoming hugely popular in the past decade. Float tanks are known for supporting the reduction of stress, improving mental and emotional issues and general self-improvement. Float tanks are little pods that act like sensory deprivation chambers, increasing your ability to relax and ‘switch off. As the name suggests, you float, in body-temperature water, with low or no light.
Float tank therapy research shows promising results in reducing blood pressure and blood cortisol levels, improving recovery after sports and other physiological improvements. It’s also been shown to help manage anxiety symptoms and can even be helpful in dealing with addiction. Shutting down the sensory input to the brain for an hour enables improvement in output and functionality. Simply put, it may be that floating is beneficial because we are so over-stimulated; and that just by resting our brains, it is able to perform better in ways that can even help mental health.

Brainwave Entrainment
Brainwave Entrainment is a form of light therapy that aims to reduce mental and emotional stress through changes in the frequency of brainwaves. In the same way that medication seeks to alter brain chemistry, brainwave entrainment seeks to alter brainwave activity.
When neurophysiology researchers scan the brains of Buddhist monks, they see consistently different brainwave patterns than they do when they scan the brain of stressed-out executives. This is because the brain is primarily an electric organ whose fundamental output can be measured in terms of its bioelectric output.
By stimulating brain cells with light that matches the frequency of happy, relaxed brain waves, entrainment aims to alter mood and mental function in people suffering from trauma & PTSD symptoms. Many trauma & PTSD sufferers report dramatic alterations in their mood and mental function after even a handful of Brainwave Entrainment sessions.
Brainwave Entrainment still sits very much on the margins of popular and well-known care options for trauma & PTSD symptoms. In much the same way that EMDR Therapy did a short time ago. It should be interesting to see where Brainwave Entrainment research leads in years to come.

Trauma Release Exercises (TRE)
Trauma-release exercises tap into the body’s ability to release old stress responses from muscle tissue. This can sound a little strange until it’s explained properly. We are learning that much of our trauma and stress are actually stored in the body, as opposed to just the brain. This is where trauma and stress-release exercises come in.
Think of the way chronic stress can lead to a build-up of muscle tension over time. In the sense we often notice if we are receiving a shoulder massage. That tension actually builds up through countless unprocessed fight/flight/freeze responses firing off in the muscle tissue. Many of the symptoms that Trauma & PTSD sufferers face are caused by these types of build-ups.
When done repeatedly, trauma releases exercises help release primitive ‘stressy’ build-ups from the body’s tissues and can have an absolutely profound impact on the symptoms of stress, trauma & PTSD.

Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)
EMDR Therapy uses therapist-led eye movements in combination with a recall of stressful events. The combination of specific recall and eye movements boosts nerve impulses between the brain hemispheres and takes the emotion out of unprocessed and stressful life events.
EMDR is a psychotherapy method developed by Francine Shapiro in the 1980s. It was originally developed to alleviate the emotional discomfort associated with traumatic memories. Which are the cause of PTSD and a vast array of other mental and physical complaints
In EMDR sessions, you are asked to recall distressing experiences whilst being guided through side-to-side eye movement or physical stimulation, such as tapping either side of the body. It is thought that by stimulating nerve activity between the brain hemispheres somehow, the nervous system is able to re-integrate and process difficult memories. EMDR eye movements ‘unplug’ traumatic memories from the strong emotions we feel when we recall them. After EMDR sessions, the intense feelings associated with the past event can be dramatically reduced.
Lifestyle Modifications

Healthy Eating
Eating healthy is not only good for your body, but it will help improve your overall mood. Focus on cutting out or reducing junk food and limiting foods that are high in refined sugar and saturated fats can make a significant difference in how you feel. Whilst reducing certain foods is important, so is incorporating healthier foods, including fatty acids and vitamins.
Fatty Acid may help reduce depression symptoms as essential fats are necessary for neurological development and brain health. Simply add omega-3 supplements to your diet or look at the following foods to support better brain health.
- nuts
- fish
- nut butter
- fatty fish
- avocado
- olive oil
Vitamins are important to many bodily functions; however, there are two vitamins that are especially beneficial for reducing symptoms of depression; Vitamin B: B-12 and B-6 are vital to brain health and Vitamin D: Vitamin D is essential for brain, heart, and bone health.

Exercise
Light therapy, also known as phototherapy, is a treatment involving exposure to an artificial light source. It may improve depression symptoms by aligning your biological clock to your brain’s circadian rhythm. It also helps to balance the activation of serotonin circuitry in your brain, which is a key component in mood regulation and contributes to stable and consistent sleep patterns.
Bright Light Therapy (BLT) was initially developed for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
by Rosenthal in the 1980s. However it can also help with major depressive disorder (MDD). Doses of white light exposure can help regulate your mood and improve symptoms of depression.

Alcohol
In the moment, drinking alcohol may make you feel better. It can help you to feel confident or relaxed and even allows you to take your mind off things. In the long run, however, it can make depression symptoms worse.
Alcohol is a depressant; it works by altering the balance of chemicals in your brain. Because of this, alcohol can contribute to and worsen symptoms of depression, stress, anxiety, mood disorders, suicidality, self-harm and psychosis. Additionally, because it removes inhibitions and increases recklessness, it can also put you more at risk of harming yourself and others around you.
Alcohol can also interact with any medication you are taking for mental health or other conditions. Meaning it may be important not to drink alcohol at all or to limit your intake if you are taking certain medicines.
When done repeatedly, trauma releases exercises help release primitive ‘stressy’ build-ups from the body’s tissues and can have an absolutely profound impact on the symptoms of stress, trauma & PTSD.

Sleep
Unfortunately, depression and sleep are closely connected, with most people with depression experiencing sleep issues. The connection is tightened as depression and sleep issues have a bidirectional relationship. This means that inadequate sleep can contribute to the development of depression, and having depression can make a person more likely to develop sleep issues.
Sleep issues may contribute to the development of depression through modifications in the function of the neurotransmitter serotonin. Sleep disruptions can affect the body’s stress system, disrupting circadian rhythms and increasing vulnerability for depression. So look for ways to improve your sleep hygiene whilst relieving symptoms of depression – think about:
- Maintain a good sleep schedule – Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day.
- Limit blue light – Stop using electronic devices at least two hours before bed.
- Reduce Time on Line – Limit your time on social media to help reduce feelings of being overwhelmed.
- Connections – Having strong personal relationships can help reduce the effects of depression, supporting feelings of personal fulfilment, which can also help you sleep.
- Meditating – Close your eyes, clear your mind, and focus on your breathing prior to bed.

Bright Light Therapy (BLT)
When you have depression, exercise often feels like the last thing you want to do. However, exercise can make a big difference if you can get motivated.
Bright Light Therapy (BLT) was initially developed for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
by Rosenthal in the 1980s. However it can also help with major depressive disorder (MDD). Doses of white light exposure can help regulate your mood and improve symptoms of depression.

Meditation
Meditation exercises can help improve symptoms of depression and lower your chances of a depression relapse. Stress, anger and anxiety are triggers of depression, but meditation can help change the way your brain responds to these emotions. There are numerous ways to learn meditation, via apps like Calm, Youtube videos or publications, but also via online or in-person classes.
Meditation classes can be an excellent way to get the type of benefits you might look for in hypnotherapy; by learning to gain better control of your own brain. Research has shown that meditation and mindfulness can help with a vast range of mental health challenges. In 2013 the Journal Of Clinical Psychiatry published an article based on the first randomised controlled trial on mindfulness meditation for generalised anxiety. The study concluded that meditation may have a beneficial effect on anxiety symptoms and may also improve stress reactivity and coping mechanisms. Meditation classes are, in many ways, a preferable option when it comes to self-taught meditation, especially if you are, in fact, trying to use meditation to help with an issue like depression. As is often the case, we can progress much quicker under guidance when learning new skills.

Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that may help relieve some symptoms of depression.
Acupuncture as a treatment for depression has increasingly become the subject of research. However, there’s little consensus about its effectiveness. This is largely because this treatment is challenging to investigate within controlled conditions, so most current research available is of low quality. Nevertheless, acupuncture for depression continues to grow in popularity.
During acupuncture, needles are used by a practitioner to stimulate specific areas in the body in order to treat a range of conditions. For mood-related health concerns, the needles are inserted by the acupuncturist into points on your body that connect to your negative emotions. The needles are thought to fix blocked energy or imbalances in your body, which also influence your mind.
After your acupuncturist has inserted needles, you lie still on a table in a peaceful setting, with calming music and mood lighting. It’s not difficult to imagine that allow might help you feel better, regardless of whether acupuncture actually treats depression.

Medications
Medication is a means of altering brain chemistry to bring relief from depression. This can bring a great deal of relief from the symptoms of depression. Yet, for many other people, medication as a treatment for their depression either has no effect or even makes matters worse.
A variety of groups or classes of antidepressants are available in New Zealand. Each class works on different chemicals in your brain. Your healthcare professional may prescribe:
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
- SSRIs are the most typically prescribed antidepressant medications and tend not to have many side effects. They treat depression by increasing the availability of the neurotransmitter serotonin in your brain.
- Examples include fluoxetine, sertraline, paroxetine, citalopram and escitalopram.
Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
- SNRIs treat depression by increasing the quantity of the neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine in your brain.
- Example Include: venlafaxine
Tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants (TCAs)
- TCAs treat depression by increasing the amount of the neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine in your brain.
- Examples include amitriptyline, clomipramine, dosulepin, imipramine, and nortriptyline.
Monoamine-oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
- MAOIs ease depression by affecting chemical messengers (neurotransmitters) used to communicate between brain cells. They are rarely used due to their side effects and the number of interactions with medicines and foods.
- Examples include tranylcypromine.
Severn Clinics Supports Successful Holistic Care Of
Severn Clincis Supports Successful Holistic Care Of
FIBROMYALGIA
CHRONIC PAIN
DEPRESSION
ANXIETY
STRESS
OCD
PTSD
TRAUMA
INSOMNIA
ADD & ADHD
CHRONIC FATIGUE
MOOD DISORDERS
Online Consultation
Book an online consultation and get personalized advice from the comfort of your home. Our licensed practitioners are here to assess your concerns, provide expert diagnosis, and offer treatment recommendations—all through a secure virtual session.

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Depression Treatment Guidelines
Depression is a highly prevalent and often debilitating mental health condition that can impact all aspects of a person’s life. While there is no single approach to treating depression that works for everyone, there are evidence-based guidelines that can provide direction for effective treatment. Collaborative care, medication, psychotherapy, mindfulness-based approaches, lifestyle changes, and a combined approach have all been shown to be effective in managing depression symptoms and improving quality of life.
The following are some general guidelines for depression treatment:

Collaborative Care
Shared decision making and collaborative care are highly recommended early interventions for depression treatment. Involving patients in the review of their diagnosis and treatment options and using decision aids has been shown to enhance patient-centered care and improve clinical outcomes. Collaborative care models, including telehealth, have demonstrated increased patient compliance and reduced early cessation of medication or therapy.

Medication
Antidepressants can be an effective component of depression treatment. However, it’s important to work closely with your healthcare provider to find the right medication and dosage that works best for you. Additionally, medication should always be used in conjunction with psychotherapy for best outcomes.

Psychotherapy
Various types of psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy (IPT), and psychodynamic therapy, can help patients develop coping skills and strategies to manage depression. Psychotherapy can help patients identify and challenge negative thought patterns that may be contributing to their depression.

Mindfulness-Based Approaches
Mindfulness-based approaches, such as mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) and mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), have also shown promise in the treatment of depression. These approaches focus on cultivating mindfulness and non-judgmental awareness to manage difficult emotions and thoughts.

Lifestyle Changes
Making lifestyle changes, such as exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and reducing stress, can also be helpful in managing depression symptoms.

Combining Treatment Modalities
The most effective depression treatment often involves a combination of medication and psychotherapy. A therapist may use a manualized treatment approach to ensure that all relevant topics are addressed and to provide a systematic approach to addressing core issues.
Session Selection

Individual Session
A single session is perfect if you need a little mental relaxation during moments of heighten stress. Ideal to help combat the effects of, or prepare for a busy week.

Course Of Sessions
We recommend a course of sessions if you are looking at supporting a specific outcome. A course typically lasts five or ten weeks, where one or two light sessions per week can be scheduled.
This course protocol is then repeated every 2 to 3 months. Maintenance or relaxation sessions can be completed weekly or fortnightly during this more focused period; this is especially recommended if work or life stresses are significant.
Session Selection
Individual Session
A single session is perfect if you need a little mental relaxation during moments of heighten stress. Ideal to help combat the effects of, or prepare for a busy week.
Course Of Sessions
We recommend a course of sessions if you are looking at supporting a specific outcome. A course typically lasts five or ten weeks, where one or two light sessions per week can be scheduled.
This course protocol is then repeated every 2 to 3 months. Maintenance or relaxation sessions can be completed weekly or fortnightly during this more focused period; this is especially recommended if work or life stresses are significant.
Example Severn Clinics Sessions

Don’t Worry Be Happy
Length: 30 minutes

Return To Happiness
Length: 30 minutes

No More Anxiety
Length: 30 minutes
Purpose: Well-being/mood enhancer
Purpose: Mood Enhancing
Purpose: Anxiety, Tension, Fear, and Stress Relief / Calm Awareness and Focus/Feelings of Well-being
Feeling: Gentle, Chilled, Sleepy, Peaceful, Calming, Enjoyable
Feeling: Gentle, Peaceful, Calming
Feeling: Gentle, Chilled, Sleepy, Peaceful, Calming, Enjoyable
Frequencies: 9Hz, 14 Hz, 42Hz
Frequencies: Mixed SMR, Theta, and Medium Beta (plus matched isochronic tones)
Frequencies: 0.1Hz, SMR variable (13 -14 Hz)
Based on research showing that Beta frequencies including 14 Hz used in this session can significantly ease the feelings of depression this session starts at a relaxing 9Hz and then gently builds to the SMR/Beta frequency of 14 Hz.
As the session progresses, gamma range blends in to create a new brain state of positive emotion and brain alertness where not only will you just feel better, but you will likely be inspired to do better. Doing better is the key to long term feelings of positivity and well-being.
So sit or lie back, choose your favourite happy music, and let DeepWaver train you into more feelings of joy.
Return to Happiness is a perfect pick me up. Feeling low can be all consuming and hard to break out of. This session is designed to help you break out of the habitual mindset of feeling low or depressed.
It’s great to use a session to get you feeling better temporarily. Better still though is to start to train your brain to be in the frequencies of mind that encourage happy moods. What shows in experience and research to be most effective in this goal is to encourage a brain state that is ready for action but relaxed – SMR or Low Beta. This session has a stable core of SMR with some moving Theta and Beta to further enhance the effects
Anxiety is probably the most prevalent challenge for people in modern times. Research shows that it’s not just an overabundance of higher brain waves that are more common in people with anxiety but a lack of coherence in the lower brain frequencies. This session is designed to help you retrain yourself into an idling state. The idling state is where you are ready to either take action or relax.
Example DeepWave Sessions

Don’t Worry Be Happy
Length: 30 minutes
Purpose: Well-being/mood enhancer
Feeling: Gentle, Chilled, Sleepy, Peaceful, Calming, Enjoyable
Frequencies: 9Hz, 14 Hz, 42Hz
Based on research showing that Beta frequencies including 14 Hz used in this session can significantly ease the feelings of depression this session starts at a relaxing 9Hz and then gently builds to the SMR/Beta frequency of 14 Hz.
As the session progresses, gamma range blends in to create a new brain state of positive emotion and brain alertness where not only will you just feel better, but you will likely be inspired to do better. Doing better is the key to long term feelings of positivity and well-being.
So sit or lie back, choose your favourite happy music, and let DeepWaver train you into more feelings of joy.

Return To Happiness
Length: 30 minutes
Purpose: Mood Enhancing
Feeling: Gentle, Peaceful, Calming
Frequencies: Mixed SMR, Theta, and Medium Beta (plus matched isochronic tones)
Return to Happiness is a perfect pick me up. Feeling low can be all consuming and hard to break out of. This session is designed to help you break out of the habitual mindset of feeling low or depressed.
It’s great to use a session to get you feeling better temporarily. Better still though is to start to train your brain to be in the frequencies of mind that encourage happy moods. What shows in experience and research to be most effective in this goal is to encourage a brain state that is ready for action but relaxed – SMR or Low Beta. This session has a stable core of SMR with some moving Theta and Beta to further enhance the effects

No More Anxiety
Length: 30 minutes
Purpose: Anxiety, Tension, Fear, and Stress Relief / Calm Awareness and Focus/Feelings of Well-being
Feeling: Gentle, Chilled, Sleepy, Peaceful, Calming, Enjoyable
Frequencies: 0.1Hz, SMR variable (13 -14 Hz)
Anxiety is probably the most prevalent challenge for people in modern times. Research shows that it’s not just an overabundance of higher brain waves that are more common in people with anxiety but a lack of coherence in the lower brain frequencies. This session is designed to help you retrain yourself into an idling state. The idling state is where you are ready to either take action or relax.
Take A Tour Of Our Wellington Clinic
Our team offers a wide range of treatments, helping you to achieve your recovery goals.
Primary Contacts
Phone: 04 385 6446
Email: info@severnclinics.co.nz
Wellington:
Featherston Street Pain Clinic:
23 Waring Taylor St, Wellington, 6011 (Level 3)
Wairarapa:
Featherston Street Pain Clinic Greytown:
82 Main Street, Greytown 5712, New Zealand
Featherston Street Pain Clinic Masterton:
1 Jackson Street, Masterton 5810, New Zealand
Business Hours
Wellington:
Monday to Wednesday
9:00 am - 6:00 pm
Thursday:
7:00 am - 3:00 pm
Friday:
7:00 am - 3:00 pm
Wairarapa:
Monday to Tuesday
8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Saturday
8:00 am - 12:00pm