How Depression Affects the Brain

Depression (Major Depressive Disorder) is a common and serious mood disorder that negatively affects the way someone feels, thinks and behaves. While we all get a case of the blues or feel sad or moody from time to time, depression isn’t something that can be easily snapped out of. People with depression experience these feelings intensely, sometimes without apparent reason, for weeks, months or even years.

Why Depression Happens

Depression is a complex disease that has many possible causes, and the cause can be different for each individual. Often, there are a range of contributing factors. These can include (but are not limited to):

• Brain chemistry and biochemical factors

• Genetics and family history

• Personality

• Stress or trauma

• Illness

• Ageing

• Life changes, such as the postnatal period or pregnancy

Every person is unique, and while one of these factors may contribute to one person developing depression, it may not have the same effect on another. We all respond differently to psychological triggers.

Depression is not a sign of weakness or an issue that’s ‘all in your mind’ – it is a serious mood disorder that should be taken seriously and treated with appropriate support.

How Depression Feels

As a mood disorder, depression primarily impacts our feelings and emotions. It can feel like you are sad all of the time, which can also show up as emptiness, hopelessness or tearfulness. There are also often feelings of worthlessness, including fixation on past failures or self-blame. Feelings of apathy are common, which can result in a loss of interest in things that once interested you and social withdrawal. Irritability, frustration, reduced motivation and lack of energy or fatigue are also common with depression.

Physical changes and sensations can also be felt in the body as a result of depression. Sleep disturbances, weight changes, trouble concentrating or remembering things, slowed speech or unexplained physical problems like headaches, stomach aches and back pain are common.

Why Depression Makes You Tired

Tiredness or lack of energy are common symptoms of depression, with some severe sufferers unable to even get out of bed. As experienced psychologists, we are often asked why depression makes you tired. Neurotransmitters in your brain such as dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin play important roles in regulating energy levels, sleep and motivation (amongst other things), so changes in these that can come along with depression can impact your energy levels and cause fatigue.

How Depression Affects the Brain

It’s commonly said that depression is the result of a chemical imbalance in the brain, but, as above, this is only one part of the disease. It’s not as simple as one chemical being too high or another being too low.

As well as changes in the brain resulting in depression, depression can actually physically change the brain itself.

This can include changing the size of different areas of the brain by impacting the amount of grey matter. Studies have shown this in the hippocampus, which is responsible for learning and memory, and in the prefrontal cortex, which plays a part in high-level thinking and planning.

People who have major depression episodes have also shown brain inflammation, although it’s unclear whether the depression or the inflammation comes first. Uncontrolled brain inflammation can cause thinking problems, hurt or kill brain cells and prevent new brain cells from growing.

Are Depression and Anxiety Comorbid?

In Australia, one in 7 people will experience depression in their lifetime and one in 4 people will experience an anxiety disorder. The commonness of these mental health conditions begs the question of whether anxiety and depression are regularly comorbid amongst Australians, and the answer is yes.

One of the most common comorbidities with depression are anxiety disorders, and some estimates show that 60% of those with anxiety will also have symptoms of depression. Sometimes, anxiety can occur as a symptom of clinical depression, and depression can also be triggered by having an anxiety disorder.

This doesn’t mean that everyone who experiences depression will also experience anxiety, but they are experienced together by many people. 

If you are struggling with depression, the Perth psychologists at Psychwest are here to help. We provide therapies that are suitable for treating depression such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and our experienced psychologists will work with you to determine the best course of action for you as an individual. Book your appointment now.

Burnout Without Overwork: Is It Possible?

‘Burnout’ is a term that most people are familiar with nowadays, with hustle culture and demanding workplaces taking centre stage. Burnout is defined as a state of emotional, mental and often physical exhaustion brought on by extended or repeated stress. While most of us associate burnout with overworking or problems at work, it’s actually possible to reach burnout without working really long hours. You may also experience burnout related to other areas of life, such as parenting, caretaking or in romantic relationships - any situation where you feel overworked and undervalued.

Why Burnout Happens 

In some cases, a person can work a large number of hours consistently or invest a lot of time into something and remain free from burnout. In others, some people end up experiencing burnout from the same situation. What’s the difference?

Our personality traits and lifestyle factors can impact whether we experience burnout or not. Lifestyle factors could include not getting enough sleep, people-pleasing or taking on too many responsibilities, lack of work-life balance or lack of supportive relationships. Personality traits that could impact burnout include being a high-achiever, perfectionist, needing to be in control or being a pessimist.

In addition to overwork, a lack of control or lack of recognition at work can be a factor that causes burnout. Unclear expectations can have just as much effect on burnout as unrealistically high ones, or working in a chaotic environment.

How Burnout Affects Mental Health

Burnout involves feelings of exhaustion or energy depletion, resulting in feeling empty and devoid of motivation. Often, this shows up as a burnt-out person not caring anymore and feeling as though they cannot achieve any positive changes in their situation. This is in contrast to stress, where you feel as though there are too many pressures that need to be taken under control before you’ll feel okay again.

Depression and burnout share some similar symptoms; however, depression involves experiencing negative emotions with all areas of life, not just those that have been causing chronic stress.

What Burnout Does to Your Brain

It’s common knowledge that chronic stress can have both mental and physical impacts on our body. However, it can also impact our brains by thinning the grey matter in the prefrontal cortex. This weakens the area, which can have an effect on our ability to retain information and pay attention, so we’re more likely to make mistakes.

It also enlarges the amygdala, which is where our flight-or-fight response resides. This can generate more fear and anxiety, taking us back to a more primitive level.

Can Burnout Be Diagnosed?

Burnout is not a diagnosable psychological disorder, but it is something that a psychologist can help you overcome. It’s difficult to see the way out when everything feels bleak and you lack the motivation to create positive changes in your situation. This is why it’s important to seek support from someone who is trained to help you get your life back into balance and cope with your stressors.

The Midland psychologists at Psychwest can help you to overcome your burnout and get back on track today. Contact us now to book your appointment.

What Mental Health Disorders Are There?

What is a mental health disorder?

A mental health disorder is a wide range of conditions that affect mood/emotions, thinking or behaviour to a significant clinical level.

How common are mental health disorders?

According to the National Health Survey 2021 (ABS) around 1 in 5 Australian adults experience a mental illness every year. Around 45% of Australian adults will experience some type of mental illness at some point in their life.

Most Commonly Diagnosed Mental Disorders in Australia

Anxiety Disorders

The most common mental health disorders in Australia are currently Anxiety Disorders including Panic disorder, Agoraphobia, Generalised anxiety disorder, PTSD, Social Anxiety disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Anxiety disorders are characterised by excessive, uncontrollable and often irrational anticipation of future threats which causes impairment in functioning.

Some common symptoms of anxiety disorders include:

• Restlessness

• Irritability

• Fatigue

• Increased heart rate

• Difficulty relaxing

• Chest pain

• Worry

Affective Disorders (or Mood Disorders)

The second most common cluster of mental disorders in Australia are affective or mood disorders. These include Major depressive disorder, persistent depressive disorder, Seasonal affective disorder and Bi-polar disorder. A mood disorder is characterised by a distorted emotional state that impacts on daily functioning.

Common symptoms include:

• Low, empty or irritable mood (times of euphoria if Bi-polar)

• Insomnia

• Fatigue

• Loss of pleasure

• Weight changes

• Suicidal ideation

Substance Use Disorders

This is the third most common type of mental disorder in Australia. It is a stand-alone disorder with a continuum from mild to severe and encompasses any/all types of substances including alcohol. It is characterised by the persistent use of drugs/alcohol despite harm and adverse consequences.

Symptoms include:

• Dependence

• Withdrawal

• Cravings

• Tolerance

• Impaired functioning

Other Mental Health Disorders

Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Neurodevelopmental disorders are disorders of early brain development characterised by difficulties with cognition, learning, behaviour, communication and more. Some examples are Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and dyslexia. Symptoms are present from early childhood and are wide and varied.

Psychotic Disorders

These are characterised by abnormal patterns of thinking and perception or a disconnection from reality. Some examples include Schizophrenia, Delusional disorder, Brief Psychotic Disorder and schizoaffective disorder. Common symptoms include hallucinations and/or delusions.

Feeding and Eating Disorders

These are mental health conditions that involve a complex and problematic relationship with food, exercise, eating and/or body image. For example, Binge eating disorder, Bulimia and Anorexia Nervosa. Some common symptoms include fixation on food, alterations in weight, preoccupation with body image, disruption in eating patterns, mood fluctuations, social withdrawal, behaviours that lead to weight loss.

Personality Disorders

These are characterised by rigid and unhealthy patterns of thinking, functioning and behaving. Some examples include Borderline Personality Disorder, Antisocial personality disorder, Schizoid Personality Disorder and Narcissistic Personality Disorder. Symptoms vary widely but commonly cause significant problems and limitations in relationships, social activities, work and school.

Please note: this list is not exhaustive. If you are concerned about some of your own mental health symptoms, you can reach out to a Psychologist at Psychwest to discuss.

­­When Mental Health Affects Physical Health

Your physical and mental health are closely related in many ways. Both good and poor mental health can affect your physical health. Similarly, both good and poor physical health can affect your mental health.

People with mental health conditions often have more difficulty and are more prone to health limiting behaviours (behaviours that can lead to poor physical health) such as smoking, alcohol and other substance misuse, difficulty seeking medical care and taking prescription medication or getting enough exercise.

Depression and Your Physical Health

Studies have shown that depression and the following health conditions are closely linked: diabetes, asthma, cancer, cardiovascular disease and arthritis. Furthermore, studies have found that those suffering from cancer and heart disease have a higher mortality rate if they are also experiencing depression or other mental disorders. It has not yet been established how or why these are linked, but some theories point to overall inflammation in the body increasing the likelihood of all the above disorders to co-occur. In addition, the impact of stress associated with having a chronic illness may contribute to increases in mental health disorders. 

Sleep and Your Health

Adequate sleep is integral to good mental and physical health. Sleep difficulties are a common symptom of many mental health conditions. Studies have shown that insomnia can lead to increased obesity and subsequent health conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. On the other hand, some physical health conditions can make sleep difficult which can then lead to and/or exacerbate mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression.

Somatic Symptom Disorder

Somatic Symptom Disorder is a good example of the complex relationship between physical and mental health. Somatic Symptom Disorder is when someone has an extreme focus on physical symptoms, such as pain or fatigue, which leads to significant distress and dysfunction. The symptoms are real and not imagined, but it’s the excessive focus on the symptoms that causes emotional disturbance and becomes often the single focus of the individual leading to poor quality of life.

Eating Disorders

Eating disorders are another example of the complex relationship between physical and mental health. Anorexia Nervosa is technically classified as a mental disorder, however has severe and life threating physical symptoms including chronic loss of weight, osteoporosis, water-electrolyte balance, loss of menstruation and heart arrhythmias. It is the most common cause of death amongst all the mental disorders. Bulimia and Binge Eating Disorder also leas to severe physical health conditions including gastrointestinal issues, dental issues, menstrual issues and more.

Exercise and Mental Health

The benefits of exercise on physical health is well established in reducing risk of illness such as heart and lung disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, cancer, dementia, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. There are also significant mental health benefits. When exercising, chemicals such as endorphins and serotonin (the feel-good chemicals) are released in the body. Blood is pumped to the brain increasing clarity of thought, memory and protecting against injury and disease. Exercising regularly has been found to reduce stress and symptoms of mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. It also has been found to improve sleep, which in turn has a positive effect on mental health.

How Psychologists Can Help

Psychologists will often assess your overall lifestyle and point out health limiting behaviours that may be impacting on your mental health. They will then support and guide you into making positive steps towards change. They can also offer support and intervention for managing and dealing with chronic health conditions reducing the overall burden of stress.

How PsychWest Can Help

We have several clinicians with experience helping those suffering from chronic health conditions, depression, anxiety, eating disorders and somatic symptom disorders. If this is something you are struggling with, you can find more info about our services here.

How to Help Someone Experiencing Depression

What is depression?

Depression (Major Depressive Disorder) is a common and serious mood disorder that negatively affects the way someone feels, thinks and behaves. It has a detrimental effect on one’s daily functioning and can cause problems with work, school and relationships.

What are the common symptoms of depression?

Symptoms include:

• Loss of interest in things that once interested them – withdrawing socially

• Sleep disturbance (insomnia/oversleeping)

• Weight changes (loss or gain)

• Feelings of sadness, tearfulness, emptiness or hopelessness

• Lack of energy or fatigue, reduced motivation

• Irritability or frustration

• Feelings of worthlessness, fixation on past failures or self-blame

• Trouble concentrating, remembering things or decision making

• Unexplained physical problems including headache, stomach ache or back pain

• Slowed speech or body movements

• Suicidal thoughts or actions

What you can say to someone experiencing depression

Whether your loved one has a confirmed diagnosis of depression or you suspect they may be depressed, there are some things you can say that are helpful and things that are unhelpful. Often a hallmark of depression is social withdrawal.

Avoid shaming, blaming, or guilt tripping the person or offering solutions. For example:

• “Get over it”

• “Cheer up, life’s not that bad”

• “Try to think positive thoughts”

• “You just have to try harder to feel better”

These types of responses are unhelpful and damaging. Instead offer gentle support, empathy and attempts to understand.

For example:

• “I’m sorry you are feeling bad, in what way can I help?”

• “I am here if you need to talk, or if you would like some company anytime.”

• “I can see you are struggling, that must be really hard.”

• “What do you think you need right now in order to begin to heal?”

What you can do for someone experiencing depression

Fatigue and lack of motivation are common symptoms of depression, and completing daily tasks can be difficult. You can offer to complete some household chores for the person, cook a meal, babysit the kids and complete some life admin tasks for the loved one. If the person has not visited a health professional, you could offer to book a GP appointment and escort them.

Their GP can assist them with a mental health treatment plan so that they can see a psychologist and claim up to 20 sessions each calendar year. Psychwest have appointments available now: book one here.

 You can also provide some helpful websites or phone numbers if they need some additional support in the meantime. Some useful support services are listed here:

All:

Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636

Lifeline: 13 11 44

Youth:

https://www.headspace.com.au

Indigenous Australians:

https://www.13YARN.org.au

LGBTQI+:

https://www.Qlife.org.au

How to help someone with depression who doesn’t want help

It can sometimes be difficult and scary for someone to come to the realisation that they need help. It can take some time until they come around to the idea that they may need additional support.

You may feel powerless in a situation where a loved one is suffering. Get your own support, reach out to your own support system (friends or family) or book a counselling session.  Be available to the sufferer, continue to offer gentle support (don’t avoid them), but don’t put pressure or force the person to get help.

If you suspect the person may be suicidal then access any of the above services, as they also provide support and advice in this instance.

If you suspect that the person is at immediate risk of harming themselves, then seek help immediately by calling 000.

Psychwest has a team of experienced psychologists who are ready to help with depression or any other mental health needs. We have appointments available now. Book your session here.