Depression Treatment

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Sadness is a normal human emotion that we all experience at one time or another in our lives. When this feeling persists, however, daily tasks like getting out of bed or going to work can seem overwhelming.  You may slowly begin to withdraw from society and isolate yourself from others.  Things that would normally bring you a sense of happiness or fulfillment no longer elicit those same feelings. The good news is that professional resources exist that will help you take those first steps on your journey back to the life you deserve to live. 

 

Symptoms of Depression

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Depression can present itself in a variety of ways that can vary from person to person. Common symptoms of depression may include one or more of the following:

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● Feeling sad, empty, or hopeless.

● A lack of interest or pleasure in daily activities.

● Significant weight loss or weight gain.

● Sleeping a lot or not being able to sleep enough.

● Tearfulness

● Anger Outbursts

● Slowed thinking, speech, or body movements.

● Fatigue

● Feelings of worthlessness or guilt.

● Difficulty concentrating or indecisiveness

● Re-occurring thoughts of death and/or suicide.

 

Types of Depression

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Major Depressive Disorder-This type of depression can be episodic, lasting at least two weeks or more. Symptoms exist almost every day.  During an “episode” there is a noticeable decline in a person’s mood and behavior that improves after the episode has subsided. 

 

Perinatal/Postpartum Depression- This condition can affect women during pregnancy and/or soon after childbirth. The depressive symptoms can be severe and debilitating. In rare cases (1 in 500 to 1 in 1,000) women can experience psychosis along with depression after giving birth.
 

Seasonal Affective Disorder- People who suffer from SAD typically experience depressive episodes during the fall and/or winter months. These symptoms may lessen or disappear during spring and/or summer. 

 

Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia)- People with this condition experience a depressed mood for most of the day on most days over a period of at least two years. Dysthymia persists over a long period of time without relief of symptoms.

 

Treatment Options

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Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy: Your therapist will help you discover thought patterns, behaviors or core beliefs that may contribute to your depression. Once identified you will begin to develop strategies and skills to redirect your patterns of thinking.

 

Psychodynamic Therapy: Your therapist will work with you to bring awareness to past experiences and/or unresolved conflicts that may play an unconscious role in current behaviors and feelings. With an increased awareness of the root causes and patterns of your current experience, you are better able to make lasting changes.
 

Interpersonal Therapy: This form of therapy focuses on how stress from relationship conflicts and/or social isolation can affect your depression symptoms. Your therapist guides you as you develop skills to make and maintain healthy, fulfilling relationships.

 

In addition to talk therapy, it is important to establish a healthy self-care routine. Activities such as exercise, maintaining a balanced diet, regular sleep, and establishing a social support system are all important factors in managing depression.

 

In some cases medication can be an additional tool to help manage your depression. Our therapists can refer you to a Doctor to see if medication can be helpful in your treatment. 

 

Get Help Today

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When you’re depressed, you may feel like you don’t have the energy to seek help. It may seem like there is no hope and that getting treatment won’t make things better. These feelings are all normal, and our therapists can help you find hope and help you start living the life you want to live. Reach out today, and we will connect you with a therapist who can partner with you to develop a treatment plan that fits your unique needs, and will help you get started on your path to recovery.