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Depression Overview
Depression in New Zealand and Beyond
Unfortunately, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide, with more than 300 million people worldwide estimated to be affected.
New Zealand is not immune to the impacts of depression; as the Ministry of Health reported, an estimated 582,000 New Zealand adults (16%) are affected by a mood or anxiety disorder at some point in their lives, including depression.
The most recent data from the New Zealand Health Survey shows that in 2018/19, 13.3% of adults (aged 18 years and over) had been diagnosed with depression at some point in their lives, equivalent to around 576,000 people. Additionally, 6.5% of adults had experienced symptoms of depression in the past four weeks, equivalent to about 284,000 people.
Depression rates vary among different population groups in New Zealand. Women are more likely to experience depression than men, with 8.7% of women reporting symptoms of depression in the past four weeks compared to 4.2% of men. Depression rates are higher among young adults, with 10.8% of 18-24-year-olds reporting symptoms of depression in the past four weeks compared to 4.4% of those aged 65 years and over.
Globally, it is estimated that depression accounts for 4.3% of the global burden of disease and is a leading cause of disability worldwide. Depression can lead to significant social and economic costs, including reduced work productivity, increased healthcare costs, and decreased quality of life.
Depression Disorders
Depression is a common mental health disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest or pleasure in activities. It can affect how a person thinks, feels, and behaves and can interfere with daily activities, such as work, school, and relationships.
There are different types of depression, including major depressive disorder, persistent depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, seasonal affective disorder, and postpartum depression. Each type has its own set of symptoms and causes.
Major Depressive Disorder
Major depressive disorder (MDD), also known as clinical depression, is a mental health disorder that is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest or pleasure in activities. It is one of the most common mental health disorders, affecting millions of people worldwide.
Persistent Depressive Disorder
Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD), also known as dysthymia, is a chronic form of depression lasting at least two years or longer. Unlike Major Depressive Disorder, the symptoms of PDD are less severe, but they are persistent and can significantly impact an individual’s daily life.
Bipolar Depression
Bipolar disorder is a mental disorder that causes very distinct changes in concentration, energy, mood and the ability to carry out day-to-day tasks. People who struggle with bipolar disorder have episodes of depression and go through periods of unusually high energy or activity.
Manic episodes can feel great, but they don’t last long. They can lead to self-destructive behaviour, usually followed by a period of depression. Bipolar disorder medications are different from those given for other depression types. They can be effective at stabilizing a person’s mood.
Seasonal Affective Disorder
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD). This type of depression emerges as days get shorter, most commonly beginning around late autumn or early winter and ending in the spring. However, it’s possible to experience symptoms at other times of the year.
SAD mood changes may be a result of alterations in the body’s natural daily rhythms, in how chemical messengers like serotonin and melatonin function or in the eyes’ sensitivity to light. The primary treatment for SAD is light therapy, which involves daily sessions sitting close to an intense light source. However, treatments like psychotherapy and medications may also be effective.
Postpartum Depression
Postpartum depression (PPD) is a type of depression that occurs in women after giving birth. It can affect women in the weeks or months after delivery and is different from the “baby blues,” a mild, temporary mood disturbance many new mothers experience. PPD is a more severe and persistent condition that requires treatment.
Depression Symptoms
Depression is a mental health disorder that can significantly impact an individual’s mood, behaviour, and physical health. Symptoms of depression can be categorized as emotional, cognitive, and physical.
Emotional symptoms of depression may include persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, emptiness, or worthlessness. You may also experience a loss of interest or pleasure in activities that were once enjoyable. You may have difficulty experiencing positive emotions and may feel numb or disconnected from others. If you suffer from depression you may also experience irritability, anger, or anxiety.
Some of the most common emotional symptoms of depression include:
- Persistent sadness or feelings of emptiness: A person with depression may feel sad or down most of the time, even when there is no apparent reason for these feelings.
- Hopelessness or helplessness: People with depression may feel like there is no point in trying to make things better or that they are powerless to change their situation.
- Loss of interest in things that were once enjoyable: People with depression may lose interest in hobbies, activities, and socializing, and may withdraw from friends and family.
- Irritability or agitation: Depression can make people feel easily frustrated or annoyed, and they may find themselves getting angry over small things.
- Guilt or shame: People with depression may blame themselves for their difficulties, feel guilty about things that are not their fault, or feel ashamed of their situation.
- Anxiety or restlessness: Depression can cause a range of anxiety symptoms, such as excessive worry, restlessness, and feelings of tension.
- Suicidal thoughts or behaviours: In severe cases of depression, a person may have thoughts of suicide or may engage in self-harm behaviours.
Cognitive symptoms of depression may include difficulty concentrating or making decisions. You may also experience negative thoughts, such as excessive self-blame, guilt, or pessimism. You may have low self-esteem and a negative perception of yourself, others, and the world around them. You may also experience recurrent thoughts of death or suicide.
Some of the most common cognitive symptoms of depression include:
- Negative thoughts: People with depression may experience persistent negative thoughts, such as feelings of worthlessness, guilt, or hopelessness. They may also have a negative outlook on life, believing that nothing will ever improve or that their situation is hopeless.
- Difficulty concentrating: Depression can affect a person’s ability to focus and concentrate, making it challenging to perform tasks that require mental effort. They may struggle to remember things or have difficulty making decisions.
- Memory problems: Depression can also impact a person’s memory, making it difficult to remember important details or events. This can lead to difficulties with daily tasks, such as forgetting appointments or important deadlines.
- Pessimistic thinking: People with depression may have a tendency to see things in a negative light, even when there is no real evidence to support their beliefs. This can lead to feelings of helplessness and despair.
- Self-criticism: Depression can also cause a person to be overly critical of themselves, constantly focusing on their perceived flaws and shortcomings. This can lead to feelings of low self-esteem and self-worth.
- Cognitive inflexibility: Individuals with depression may have difficulty changing their thought patterns or adapting to new situations. This can make it challenging to problem-solve and cope with stressors.
- Slowed thinking: Depression can also slow down a person’s thought processes, making it difficult to process information and respond to it in a timely manner.
Physical symptoms of depression may include changes in appetite or weight, disrupted sleep patterns, fatigue, or low energy levels. Individuals with depression may also experience physical aches and pains, headaches, or digestive problems.
Some of the most common physical symptoms of depression include:
- Fatigue: Feeling exhausted and lacking energy is a common symptom of depression. It can make it difficult to complete everyday tasks and may affect work, school, and relationships.
- Sleep disturbances: Depression can cause changes in sleep patterns, including insomnia (difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep) or hypersomnia (oversleeping).
- Appetite changes: Some people with depression experience changes in appetite, which can lead to weight gain or weight loss.
- Headaches and body aches: Depression can cause physical pain, such as headaches, back pain, or stomachaches.
- Gastrointestinal problems: Depression may also cause digestive issues, such as nausea, diarrhea, or constipation.
- Decreased sex drive: Depression can decrease sex drive and cause sexual dysfunction.
Depression Diagnosis
Diagnosing depression typically involves a comprehensive evaluation by a mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist or a psychologist. The evaluation may include a review of medical and psychiatric history, a physical examination, and a psychological assessment.
To diagnose depression, the mental health professional will typically look for the presence of certain symptoms that meet the criteria for a depressive disorder, as outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).
Some of the key symptoms that may indicate depression include:
1 – Persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness
2 – Loss of interest or pleasure in activities
3 – Changes in appetite or weight
4 – Difficulty sleeping or sleeping to much
5 – Fatigue or lack of energy
6 – Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
7 -Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
8 – Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide
- Persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness
- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
- Fatigue or lack of energy
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide
To receive a diagnosis of depression, an individual must experience five or more of these symptoms for at least two weeks, and the symptoms must cause significant distress or impairment in daily functioning.
In addition to assessing the presence of symptoms, the mental health professional will also consider the severity and duration of symptoms, as well as any factors that may be contributing to the depression, such as medical conditions, medication use, or substance abuse.
Once a diagnosis of depression is made, the mental health professional will work with the individual to develop a comprehensive treatment plan, which may include medication, therapy, lifestyle changes, and social support. Early intervention and treatment can help individuals with depression to recover and improve their overall quality of life.
Severn Clinics Supports Successful Holistic Care Of
Severn Clinics Supports Successful Holistic Care Of
FIBROMYALGIA
CHRONIC PAIN
DEPRESSION
ANXIETY
STRESS
OCD
PTSD
TRAUMA
INSOMNIA
ADD & ADHD
CHRONIC FATIGUE
MOOD DISORDERS
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.
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.
Call or Text
027 508 8083
tobias@severnclinics.co.nz
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