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Depression Management Group



Course Overview:
Everyone gets the blues or feels sad from time to time. However, if a person experiences these emotions intensely or for two weeks or longer, it may signal clinical depression, a condition that requires treatment.

Clinical depression affects the total person--body, feelings, thoughts, and behaviors--and comes in various forms. Some people have a single bout of depression; others suffer recurrent episodes. Still others experience the severe mood swings of bipolar disorder--sometimes called manic-depressive illness--with moods alternating between depressive lows and manic highs.
The aims of the group are to provide information about symptoms and causes of depression and then focus on early effective strategies to assist you in managing and improving depressive symptoms.

This group is based on a cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) model, which research has shown is very effective for treating depression. CBT is based on the idea that depression as well as a number of other mental health problems can be improved by identifying and challenging false, illogical and negative thinking that causes and maintains our negative emotions.

What is Depression?

Firstly, it is important to understand what isn't   depression.

Everyone has times in their lives when they feel sad, blue,   generally down or upset. These feelings are part of who we are and are generally emotional reactions to events or circumstances that happen in our daily lives. This does not mean you have depression.

We can all feel sad after a distressing loss. This may be the death of a partner or relative, the break up of a marriage, or the loss of a   job. This type of sadness usually passes and is called grief. These feelings are normal and healthy. They aid us in adjusting our lives to cope with a new   environment or changing circumstances.

Unlike the two above examples depression is not usual and is not healthy. Depression can manifest with both physical and psychological symptoms.   It is a medical condition like any other physical medical condition (e.g. diabetes). Diabetes is caused by an imbalance in hormones that circulate in the   blood. Depression can be an imbalance in some hormones and/or chemicals in the   brain. What makes depression different from normal sadness or despair is two   main factors. (1) That is goes on-and-on for a long time and, (2) it dominates   your life and stops you from functioning properly. Depression is a treatable   medical disorder and the chances of recovery from depression are excellent.

Recognising the Signs & Symptoms of   Depression
There are certain typical indicators that may be useful in   helping decide if you, or someone you know, should talk to a doctor about   depression. Usually, to be called depression, some of these signs should be present for 2-weeks or more. Some of the signs are in the list below.
·    Sadness which does not change from day to day
·    Thoughts of worthlessness and hopelessness
·     Anxiety, worrying, irritability or tension
·     Disturbed sleep
·     Reduced appetite and change in weight
·     Tiredness, lethargy and lack of motivation
·     Loss of interest in normal activities
·     Forgetfulness and poor concentration
·     Persistent crying for no apparent reason

Content:
·      Symptoms and causes of depression
·      Importance of activity on the symptoms of depression
·      Strategies for increasing pleasant activities and daily tasks
·      Importance of relaxation, visualisation and thought stopping.
·      Role of thinking in depression
·      Challenging negative thinking
·      Dealing with setbacks and prevention strategies

Methodology:
Each session of this psycho-educational group begins with a teaching component, moves into group interaction or process and ends with a relaxation exercise. Homework is an important part of these groups. There will be tasks set at the end of each session to be completed in your own time. We will encourage you to apply these exercises and strategies into your daily routine. This will help you get the most benefit from the group.

Benefits of the group program are:
·      Only 90-minutes per week for 8 weeks.
·      All resource materials provided.
·      Scientifically based.
·      Practical skills taught.
·      Group atmosphere tends to motivate and inspire people to action.

Recommended for:
Individuals who struggle with issues related to excessive worry; panic attacks; discomfort in social situations; and difficulties with class/group participation.

Course No: 00452
Duration:     8 consecutive weeks.
Times:          1.00-2.30pm Mon (Fremantle ) OR Tues (Perth)
Dates:           New group begins 1st Monday of each month.
Fees:             $480.00 individual, $395.00 concession*/group
                        paid prior to commencement of the course.

Enrolment info & form: ... >> click here


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Schedule of Groups for 2006

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