Being sad and temperamental is so common that it is unsurprising that we all experience these feelings almost every day.

But when these feelings start to become regular and intrude on relationships, work, and personal satisfaction, then we should be alarmed. Having depression, or major depressive disorder, is characterised by these feelings of low mood for at least two weeks. This mood can seem like it has come from nowhere and have no obvious cause.

Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms and signs of depression can include:

  • Feeling sad and upset nearly every day.
  • Gaining little to no enjoyment from previously pleasurable activities.
  • Insomnia or hypersomnia (sleeping too little or too much).
  • Sudden weight gain or loss.
  • Being fatigued, tired, or having low energy every day. Often being too tired to complete simple tasks like cooking food or washing dishes.
  • Feelings of worthlessness and guilt.
  • Constant feelings of indecisiveness and low motivation.
  • Being unable to concentrate on tasks.
  • Self-harm, Suicidal thoughts and attempts.

Any of these symptoms in itself can have a detrimental effect on the quality of life for an individual, as well as their surroundings. Many people suffering from depression will be unable to recognise these signs in themselves, especially with cases of babies and children. Depression is one of the major factors leading to suicide and can have many other negative physical and mental impacts if left untreated. Therefore, it is important that if you suspect someone is suffering from depression that you offer help.

Types of Depression

Post Natal Depression

Signs and symptoms of post natal depression can include the following:

  • Fear and anxiousness brought on by activities such as breastfeeding
  • Having difficulties sleeping, sleeping for too long or too little
  • Having panic attacks

Major Depression

Signs and symptoms of major depression can include the following:

  • Feeling sad almost every day
  • Getting no enjoyment out of activities you once loved
  • Thinking about harming yourself or contemplating suicide

Antenatal Depression

Signs and symptoms of antenatal depression can include the following:

  • Feeling persistently sad or irritable
  • Inability to remember things, or often forgetful
  • Insomnia, or a sense of constant tiredness
  • Feeling a sense of dread about the future or even suicidal thoughts

Persistent Depression Disorder

Signs and symptoms of persistent depression can include the following:

  •  Loss of appetite or a tendency to overeat
  • Experiencing low energy or extreme fatigue
  • A sense of low self esteem, sleep problems  and poor concentration
  • A sense of hopelessness and isolation

Situational Depression

Signs and symptoms of situational depression can include the following:

  • Concentrating and making decisions is difficult
  • Depressed mood
  • Feeling nervous and anxious, bouts of tearfulness
  • Change in sleeping and eating habits
  • Withdrawal from loved ones

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Signs and symptoms of (SAD) disorder can include the following:

  • Feelings of guilt
  • Anxiety and nervousness
  • No interest in previously enjoyable activities
  • Restlessness and agitation
  • Extreme fatigue
  • Problems with memory and concentration

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder

Signs and symptoms of (PDD) also known as PMS can include the following:

  • Increased hunger and cravings
  • Depression, feelings of hopelessness
  • Panic attacks
  • Lethargy, distinct lack of energy
  • Breast tenderness
  • Cramps and bloating

Suicidal Ideation

Signs and symptoms of suicidal ideation (or thoughts) can include the following:

  • Threats of harm or death to one’s self
  • Talking or writing about death and/or suicide
  • Extreme changes in mood or behaviour, such as reckless behaviour, increased bouts of anger, increased anxiety, or hopelessness
  • Withdrawing from friends and family

How Can We Help Your Depression

At Brain Training Australia™ we offer a specific blended modality of Neurofeedback Brain Training and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to contain, alleviate and resolve your depression, to help you recover and stay well.

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a therapeutic approach used to treat and manage problematic thoughts and behaviours. CBT helps the client to identify which thoughts and feelings are causing distress, and together with their Practitioner develop plans and strategies to actively challenge these. Here at Brain Training Australia™ CBT is integrated as part of a Neurofeedback Brain Training Program and CBT is usually applied mid program.

Neurofeedback

Neurofeedback is a relaxing process and can benefit anyone struggling with depression.  Suitable for children, teenagers and adults, Neurofeedback is safe, natural, non-invasive and drug free. The client is simply required to relax in a recliner armchair while the Advanced Brain Training Technology detects turbulence or inconsistencies in brainwave activity using an EEG, and corrects it using auditory perception interruption as you listen to some nice relaxing music.

Next Steps

The first step is to get in contact with us and book in for your First Appointment. This will allow you to experience a session, and see if its the right modality for you. We will also be able to advise you, given your presentation, whether Neurofeedback, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) or a combination of both would give you the best result. The team at Brain Training Australia™ recognise the unique qualities of all our clients and will work closely with you to personalise your Brain Training Program so that you can achieve your goals of optimal mental processes. We look forward to helping you live a much richer, happier and healthier life.

Antenatal Depression

Major Depression Disorder

Persistent Depression Disorder (PDD)

Post Natal Depression

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMS)

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Situational Depression

Suicidal Ideation