ADAVIC Information Sheets
Depression
Depression is probably the most experienced, but least understood emotion.
It comes in a variety of intensities, from mild to severe. Most people have been depressed to some degree at some point in their life. The major symptoms are a loss of pleasure or a bleak mood, along with alterations in sleep, appetite, concentration, memory, and libido, seeing self as helpless, future as hopeless, suicidal thoughts and an increase in irritability. An increase in social isolation is common, as is the increased use of drugs and alcohol.
About 70% of people with an anxiety disorder may have a significant level of depression.
Depression is frequently the body's natural response to being overwhelmed. We can easily be overwhelmed if we are in a situation where we believe we are "stuck". People with untreated or inadequately treated anxiety disorders often believe they are stuck with high levels of anxiety or frequent panic attacks, or with the restrictions and habits that these conditions breed.
Depression is often trying to assist in a defensive way by rationing our reserves of energy, by slowing our metabolism down, by giving us "time out" from trying to solve problems. This makes sense of many of the symptoms such as social withdrawal, loss of energy, and "giving up". However, while depression may be a basic automatic response, it is usually not a useful one and needs to be treated and better "solutions" found.Depression can be lifted in a variety of ways. Our metabolism can be restored with appropriate physical acitivity and perhaps medication. The problems that we appear to be overwhelmed with can be re-examined with a counsellor. Often a new perspective on a problem can somehow reduce it. Many people with anxiety disorders find that their depression lifts as they learn ways of managing and reducing their anxiety symptoms.
This information was provided by Joe Bolza, Clinical Psychologist
Joe Bolza is a Clinical Psychologist specialising in treating panic, excessive anxiety and depression, using cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT). His main private practice is with PADA (Panic and Anxiety Disorders Assistance) in Glen Iris - Phone: (03) 9886-9400. Joe also works in Clifton Hill and West Heidelberg - Phone: (03) 9489-5247. His website address is: www.lexicon.net/panicanxiety.
