Depression is a serious mental health problem that affects millions of people around the world. Modern society brings with it certain challenges and factors that may be contributing to an increase in the incidence of depression. Despite increased awareness of mental health, challenges remain in accessing effective psychological help and treatment for people with depression. Learn about the characteristics of depressive symptoms and what opportunities online psychotherapy offers for treating depression.
Depression – a symptom that can devastate lives
Depression is a mental illness that affects mood, behavior and daily functioning. The course of depression can vary in terms of the intensity of symptoms, the duration of depressive episodes and their frequency. Some people may have only one depressive episode in a lifetime, while others may have recurrent depression.
Depression is an illness characterized by deep sadness, loss of interests and difficulties in daily functioning. It can be triggered by various factors, such as trauma, stress, personal problems or genetic predisposition.
Typical symptoms include:
- Emotional symptoms: feelings of depression, sadness, emptiness.
- Social symptoms: withdrawal from social life, difficulty establishing and maintaining relationships.
- Physical symptoms of depression: loss of energy, fatigue, Sleep problems (sleep disturbances, insomnia or excessive sleepiness), weight loss or gain, decreased libido.
- Cognitive symptoms: difficulty concentrating, loss of interest, pessimistic or negative thoughts, suicidal thoughts.
- Behavioral symptoms: apathy, psychomotor slowing, difficulty in performing daily activities.
Course of Depression
Depression is an emotional disorder that can have a varied course. Depression is a complex disease, and its course can vary from person to person. Some people may have a single depressive episode during their lifetime, while in others the illness may be recurrent.
- The pre-depressive period is known as the pre-depressive state. During this period, a person may experience some subtle changes in mood, energy or functioning. There may be initial symptoms such as feelings of depression, fatigue, loss of interest or lowered self-esteem. A person may experience difficulty in coping with daily responsibilities. The symptoms are not yet severe enough to make a diagnosis of depression.
- Depressive episode. This is the main phase of depression in which full-fledged depressive symptoms are present. It can last from several weeks to several months. In this phase, the occurrence of depression becomes more pronounced and difficult to ignore. A person may experience a loss of interest not only in the things that previously gave him pleasure, but also a loss of interest in life in general.
- Periods of remission and relapse. Depression can have periods of remission, in which symptoms become less severe or may even disappear altogether. However, depression is often a recurrent condition, and a person may experience further episodes of depression in the future.
Not sure if you have depression? Take a test – the Beck Depression Scale.
Types of depression
Depression can take many forms. Here are some of the main types of depression:
Depression (clinical). This is the most common type of depression. It is characterized by the occurrence of one or more depressive episodes that must last for two weeks. The person experiences a significant drop in mood, loss of interest, loss of energy and other characteristic symptoms of depression.
Dysthymic depression(Dysthymia). This is a chronic, less severe form of depression; symptoms must persist for at least two years. People with dysthymic depression often experience loss of interest, lowered mood, feelings of worthlessness, difficulty concentrating and fatigue. Although symptoms are milder than in clinical depression, they are long-lasting and affect daily functioning.
Bipolar affective disorder CHAD – Bipolar affective disorder is a disorder in which there are periods of depression alternating with periods of mania or hypomania. During depressive episodes, a person experiences depressive symptoms, while during episodes of mania or hypomania there is elevated mood, excessive energy, increased risky behavior, etc.
Postpartum depression. This is depression that occurs in some women after childbirth. Symptoms may include depression, anxiety, guilt, difficulty bonding with the child and other symptoms characteristic of depression.
Seasonal depression. This is a type of depression that is seasonal in nature and usually occurs during the fall and winter, when there is less sunlight. Symptoms can include lowered mood, increased feelings of fatigue, changes in appetite and sleep.
Depression, associated with somatic illness. Some physical illnesses can lead to the development of depressive symptoms. For example, chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, Parkinson’s disease can affect mental well-being and lead to depressive states.
Forms of treatment for depression
Depression can be treated by various methods, and the choice of a particular type of therapy depends on the severity of symptoms, the patient’s individual preferences and the recommendation of a specialist (doctor or psychologist). Below are the most commonly recommended forms of treatment for depression.
Pharmacological treatment (pharmacotherapy). Antidepressants are often prescribed to treat depression. These are drugs that help regulate levels of neurotransmitters in the brain, such as serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. Choosing the right drug depends on the patient’s individual situation and may require trial and error to find the best fit. Antidepressants are prescribed by a psychiatrist.
Psychological therapy. Various forms of psychological therapy can be an effective tool in treating depression. The most popular therapeutic method is cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) – helps patients identify and change negative thoughts, thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to depression. If you are experiencing symptoms of depression, make an appointment – cognitive behavioral therapy.
Light therapy – Light therapy, also known as phototherapy, is particularly effective for seasonal depression. It involves exposing the patient to intense light of a certain wavelength and intensity, which helps regulate the diurnal rhythm and improves mood.
For depression, a combination of different forms of therapy, such as drug therapy and psychological therapy, is often most effective.
It is extremely important for people suffering from depression to have the support of a loved one, friends or other support groups. Participation in self-help groups or group therapy can be helpful in sharing experiences and receiving support from people who are experiencing similar difficulties.
Specialist. What is the difference between a psychologist and a psychotherapist – the most important concepts.
Psychologist – deals with the diagnosis, treatment and study of the human mind and behavior. He may have a bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree.
Online psychologist – the help of a psychologist who provides therapeutic or consultation services via the Internet.
Psychotherapist – a specialist, in addition to completed studies in psychology, trained in a school of psychotherapy. The main task of a psychotherapist is diagnosis and psychotherapy, he provides assistance to people struggling with various emotional and mental problems.
Online psychotherapist – an online psychotherapist performs treatment online via the Internet, using video communication or other communication tools. Although the therapeutic process takes place virtually, an online psychotherapist provides similar services to a traditional therapist.
Consultation – the first consultation with a psychologist may vary depending on the therapist’s individual preferences and the patient’s needs and situation. The consultation usually includes: an interview, an assessment of the mental state and the definition of therapeutic goals.
Psychotherapy – a form of therapy that helps patients recognize, understand and resolve emotional problems. Usually involves regular meetings with a qualified psychotherapist.
Diagnosis – the process of determining the nature and causes of health or mental problems based on an evaluation of symptoms and tests.
Symptom – a visible or perceptible signal, a sign of a serious illness or disorder.
Online psychotherapy – help without leaving home
Online psychotherapy can be an effective form of treatment for depression, especially when access to traditional therapy sessions is difficult, for example, due to geographic limitations, health problems or travel difficulties.
Online therapy takes place through communication over the Internet, using tools such as text chat, video conferencing or real-time communication apps (e.g. Skype, Teams, Zoom). It can be conducted by licensed therapists or psychologists who specialize in treating depression.
Effectiveness of online therapy
Research suggests that online therapy can be as effective as traditional therapy in treating depression. A meta-analysis conducted in 2018 found that online therapy has a positive impact on reducing depressive symptoms, improving quality of life and increasing psychosocial functioning.
Online depression treatment help – online meeting
There are many simple solutions to start treating and fighting depression. Online therapy is a very good solution. It provides flexibility, convenience, privacy and effectiveness.
Convenience. Online therapy eliminates the need to physically go to therapy appointments, which can be beneficial for people with depression who may have difficulty leaving their homes or have limited mobility. In addition, online therapy may be more accessible to those living in areas where access to specialized psychological services is limited.
Privacy. Online therapy can provide greater privacy and discretion, which can be especially important for those who feel shame or fear of the stigma associated with depression.
Therapy follow-up. Online therapy can also be useful in the context of continuing therapy after traditional therapy sessions. A solution for people who have started therapy in a traditional format but face obstacles that prevent continuation, online therapy can provide a continuation of treatment.
However, it is important to remember that not all forms of depression and not every person may be suitable for online therapy. For severe depressive episodes or when there is a risk of suicide, it is advisable to consult a doctor or specialist or psychotherapist to determine the best treatment plan and assess whether online therapy is appropriate for the individual.
Online therapy and expatriate depression
Online therapy can be especially helpful for people suffering from depression who live abroad or are expatriates. Depression and emigration can interact with each other. Here are some reasons to reach out for professional help:
- Accessibility-Living abroad can mean limited access to specialized mental health services in your native language, or difficulty finding a therapist who understands specific cultural contexts or migrant experiences. Online therapy allows access to therapists from different countries and languages, which increases the chance of finding the right specialist.
- Maintaining social connections – Emigration can be a difficult emotional experience that can affect one’s mood and mental health. Online therapy can help maintain social ties, contact with family, friends and native culture, which can alleviate feelings of isolation and loneliness becomes less severe.
- Comfort and discretion. Online therapy provides greater privacy and discretion, which can be important, especially for those who live in smaller communities where there is a greater chance of others noticing participation in therapy.
- Geographic and logistical limitations. Online therapy eliminates the need to physically go to therapy appointments, which is especially important if the therapist suitable for the person is in another country or city. With online therapy, a person can receive support without having to travel or confront additional logistical difficulties.
Online therapy can be a valuable tool in depression treatment and recovery. Remember, depression can be cured, if you notice symptoms of depression in yourself, make an appointment – online psychotherapy.