What is Depression?
Depression is often mischaracterized as an ambiguous collection of negative emotions that anyone might experience. While it’s true that people might occasionally feel depressed, there’s a distinction to be made between particular levels of sadness and clinical depression. Depression in the medical sense refers to the clinical sort, which is characterized as a serious and often debilitating mental health struggle.
As with most mental health concerns, depression can be difficult to fully explain or understand because it may manifest differently in individuals experiencing clinical depression. There’s also the complicating factor that depression may be either chemical or experience based, meaning it can be difficult to identify, manage, or treat. However, it is possible. With the right combination of therapeutic approaches it’s possible to treat and manage depression.
Symptoms of Depression
Depression can manifest as a variety of symptoms, and while it won’t be the same for every person, there are several common symptoms that most people with clinically diagnosed depression are likely to experience in some degree. Symptoms may vary in intensity and frequency, so it’s important to be mindful of any potential depressive symptoms even in people that have not been formally diagnosed. Some of these symptoms are:
- Changes in Sleep pattern:
One might be sleeping more or less or one might sleep end up sleeping all day but aren’t able to sleep at night. - Lack or Increase in appetite:
You may end up eating more or less - Inability to Concentrate:
Since depression ends up consuming one’s time and energy, one might notice that they are not able to concentrate on other things going on in their life. - Fatigue or Lack of energy:
Lack of energy is one of the most common symptoms in most people who have been diagnosed with depression. - Lack of interest in activities:
Depression can cause an individual to isolate themselves from people. Most people diagnosed with depression do not like to be present in social settings and tend to avoid contact, sometimes even from family. - Body aches or pains:
Depression like other mental illnesses can have physical effects like body aches or lack of mobility. - Suicidal thoughts:
One of the most extreme symptoms of depression. If you or someone you know is expressing serious or potentially serious thoughts of suicide, we urge you to immediately seek assistance. The national suicide prevention hotline is 1-800-273-8255.
Depression Therapy:
Depression, while a frightening and challenging illness, doesn’t have to be a hopeless diagnosis. In today’s world, there are many different options for those looking to overcome their depression. It’s not a one size fits all illness, which is why it’s absolutely essential to get a specific evaluation and treatment plan established. If an individual is having suicidal thoughts, however, it’s necessary to plan for their safety and get professional intervention.
Since depression can be the result of an underlying medical condition, or some other cause, assessments are essential as a means of out alternate causes and developing a targeted treatment plan for an individual. While treatment plans should always be personal and developed between a patient and their professional therapist, doctor, or counselor, some of the most common treatments include:
- Psychotherapy including cognitive behavioral therapy, family-focused therapy and interpersonal therapy. By enabling an individual to talk about depression, one gets to identify their patterns, fears and triggers, which can help overcome depression.
- Medication including but not limited to antidepressants, other form of medications can be mood stabilizers and antipsychotic medications, depending on the severity of an individual’s condition.
- Balanced meals and Exercise can really be beneficial in preserving one’s mental health, especially if they are diagnosed with depression.
Talking about depression can be a daunting experience for some, which is why one needs to seek out an experienced doctor or therapist who can listen to the individual and be attentive to their needs. At ADHD Wellness Center, we take great care to treat each of our patients with sensitivity and understanding as they struggle with some of life’s biggest challenges.
If you’re concerned that you or someone you know may be experiencing depression or facing another mental health challenge, contact us today at ADHD Wellness Center. We can help set up an appointment with a trained mental health professional that can listen to your concerns and help you navigate the difficult emotions associated with depression.
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