Depression

Depression has come to the forefront of public awareness thanks to the brilliant and pioneering work of organisations like Black Dog and Beyond Blue. There are different forms of depression, each requiring unique approaches to treatment. Some forms are very serious and may have a biological component. For instance, some cases of bipolar disorder, once called manic depression, appear to run in families. This debilitating condition requires expert assessment and treatment.

Other forms of depression may be more situational. Long-term, untreated stress and anxiety can eventually lead to a type of exhaustion known as reactive depression. Some people experience depression triggered by the reduction of sunlight exposure in winter, known as seasonal affective disorder when severe and regular. Trauma can also lead to depression if not properly identified and treated.

Depression is often confused with grief. Sadness from the loss of a long-term partner, friend, or relative is a natural and normal process that may last for months or even a year. This should not be pathologised, but rather understood as a part of the grieving process. Working through these issues with a qualified therapist can help differentiate between what is normal grief and what may need therapeutic intervention.

In the 1990s, the introduction of antidepressant medication was hailed as a cure for the increasing prevalence of depression. However, we now understand that a carefully balanced program of therapy, medication, and lifestyle management plays a crucial role in recovery from severe depression.