Depression

Depression is a mental health condition that is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyable. Depression can affect a person's thoughts, behavior, feelings, and physical health. Treatment for depression can help you learn coping skills, identify and change negative thought patterns, and develop strategies for managing your identified symptoms.

Some common approaches to treat depression include:

  1. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): This approach focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to depression.

  2. Dilectical-behavioral therapy (DBT): This approach focuses on improving interpersonal relationships and communication skills, which can help individuals with depression feel more supported and accepting of their current situation so they can be more motivated to make changes.

  3. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): This approach focuses treating the symptoms of depression by targeting underlying life events, childhood memories, negative beliefs, and triggers.

  4. Mindfulness-based therapy: This approach emphasizes the practice of mindfulness and meditation to help individuals with depression develop greater awareness and acceptance of their thoughts and emotions.

During treatment, your therapist may also provide education about depression, including common symptoms and strategies for managing them. They will also work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan. They may include referrals for medication management and other activities to be completed outside of session time. When it comes to depression, the goal of treatment is to help you manage your symptoms, improve your overall well-being, and achieve a greater sense of happiness and fulfillment in life.

“That’s the thing about depression: A human being can survive almost anything, as long as she sees the end in sight. But depression is so insidious, and it compounds daily, that it’s impossible to ever see the end. The fog is like a cage without a key.” — Elizabeth Wurtzel

Types of Mood Disorders

  • Major Depressive Disorder

    Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is an acute feeling of despair and hopelessness which impairs the person’s ability to function. Someone who is suffering from MDD may lose interest in life and in routine activities they previously enjoyed. Symptoms can include:

    Persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and worthlessness

    Loss of interest or pleasure in activities

    Changes in appetite and weight

    Changes in sleep patterns, such as insomnia or hypersomnia

    Fatigue or loss of energy

    Difficulty concentrating or making decisions

    Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide

    Physical symptoms such as headaches or stomach aches

    MDD is much more than a “bad day” or an isolated sad mood. The symptoms of major depression are defined as lasting at least two weeks, but they often last much longer—for months or even years.

  • Persistent Depressive Disorder

    Persistent Depressive Disorder (also known as Dysthymia) is a type of chronic depression that lasts for at least two years. It is characterized by a depressed mood that persists most of the day, for more days than not, and accompanied by additional symptoms of depression. Symptoms of dysthymia can include:

    Persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness

    Low self-esteem or feelings of inadequacy

    Lack of interest or pleasure in activities

    Poor appetite or overeating

    Insomnia or oversleeping

    Fatigue or low energy

    Poor concentration or difficulty making decisions

    Feelings of hopelessness or despair

    Unlike Major Depressive Disorder, symptoms of dysthymia are usually less severe but can be more persistent, lasting for years. People with dysthymia often do not seek treatment because their symptoms may seem like a normal part of their personality or daily life.

  • Postpartum Depression

    Postpartum Depression (PPD) is a type of depression that affects individuals who have recently given birth and can also impact their partners. Onset of depressive symptoms can occur anytime during pregnancy and up to a year after the baby is born. Due to the demands of new parenthood and lack of support for new parents, many individuals with PPD do not seek treatment during the first year and because of that depressive symptoms often last well beyond one year postpartum. Somewhere between 10-20% of birthing people experience Postpartum Depression. The symptoms of PPD are similar to those of other types of depression, and may include:

    Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or worthlessness

    Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much

    Changes in appetite and weight

    Fatigue or lack of energy

    Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed

    Difficulty bonding with the baby

    Unwanted thoughts of harming oneself or the baby

    Up to 70 percent of all new mothers experience the “baby blues,” a short-lasting condition that does not interfere with daily activities and does not require medical attention. Symptoms of this emotional condition may include crying for no reason, irritability, restlessness, and anxiety. These symptoms last a week or two and generally resolve on their own without treatment.

    PPD is different from the “baby blues” in that it is emotionally and physically debilitating and may continue for months or more. Getting treatment is important for both the birthing person and the baby.

  • Bipolar Disorder

    Bipolar Disorder is a mental health condition that causes extreme mood swings, energy levels, and behavior. People with Bipolar Disorder experience periods of mania or hypomania and periods of depression. The following are common symptoms of Bipolar Disorder:

    Mania or Hypomania:

    Elevated or irritable mood

    Increased energy, activity, and restlessness

    Decreased need for sleep

    Racing thoughts or talking fast

    Grandiosity or inflated sense of self

    Poor judgment or impulsiveness

    Risky behavior, such as excessive spending or substance abuse

    Increased sexual drive

    Depression:

    Persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness

    Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed

    Fatigue or loss of energy

    Difficulty concentrating or making decisions

    Changes in appetite or weight

    Suicidal thoughts or behaviors

    Bipolar disorder is a chronic condition that typically requires ongoing treatment, including medication and psychotherapy. While there is no cure for bipolar disorder, with proper treatment and support, people with this condition can manage their symptoms and live fulfilling lives.