Depression and Mood Disorders Treatment

Feeling sad or down occasionally is a normal part of life, but when these feelings persist and interfere with daily activities, it can indicate a more serious issue, such as depression or another type of mood disorder. At Ramsay Mental Health, we understand the complexities of these conditions and are here to support you on your path to recovery.

What are Depression and Mood Disorders?

Mood disorders encompass a range of conditions that affect your emotional state, including depression, bipolar disorder, and dysthymia. These conditions can cause significant emotional distress, and affect your ability to function in everyday life.

Common Symptoms of Depression and Mood Disorders

Symptoms can vary widely, but common signs can include:

Persistent Sadness: A continuous feeling of hopelessness or despair.
Loss of Interest: A diminished interest in activities you once enjoyed.
Changes in Appetite: Significant weight loss or gain due to changes in eating habits.
Sleep Disturbances: Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or sleeping too much.
Fatigue: An overwhelming sense of tiredness or lack of energy.
Difficulty Concentrating: Trouble focusing, making decisions, or remembering things.
Feelings of Worthlessness: Harsh self-criticism or guilt.
Thoughts of Self-Harm: In severe cases, thoughts about harming yourself or others.

For those with bipolar disorder, these symptoms may alternate with symptoms of mania, such as periods of heightened energy, euphoria, reduced need for sleep, or impulsive behaviour.

Specialised group therapy programs provide an opportunity for people to learn more about their illness and develop coping skills to better manage their lives.

Programs aim to have the patient become aware of the relationship between their internal experiences and their behaviour.

The expected outcome for the patient will include an improvement in their ability to make better choices guided by their values.

They will also learn through psychological skills and strategies to better deal with emotional discomfort.