Depression: Symptoms and Treatment
Do you toss and turn all night? Or lie awake for hours? Have you lost interest in your family, friends, and the things you love to do? Has it become hard for you to make decisions or focus on your work? Have you lost or gained weight recently? Have your thoughts drifted to a dark place, where you think you and those you love would be better off if you were dead? Saying “yes” to several of these questions may mean you are suffering from a form of
depression.
In any given year, in America, almost 7% of the population will meet diagnosis for depression. Of those, around 70% of those diagnosed will be women (NIMH,date).
Depression may occur once in a lifetime or several times across the lifespan.
Depression arises from a complex interplay between biological, environmental, psychological, and sociological factors.
Symptoms of depression may be triggered by a major loss, a traumatic event, or some other situation, which has had a significant impact on the person. In others, there seems to be seasonal component where the onset of symptoms may begin in the fall and last throughout the winter months. Some women will suffer depression following childbirth when hormonal changes occur rapidly and the responsibility of caring for a new born can be overwhelming.
There are many signs and symptoms of being in a depressive episode. You may feel sad or “empty” or cry a lot. Your thoughts may become negative. You may ruminate about a particular feeling such as hopelessness or on other negative, pessimistic themes. Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and/or helplessness may be pervasive. Pleasurable activities have lost their appeal. This may include your hobbies or sex life. It may be very difficult to find the energy to do the things you would normally do. You might notice it is difficult for focus at work, make any decisions, or remember the details of an event. Sleep can be impacted in different ways such as sleeping a lot or struggling with some form of insomnia. You might lose a significant amount of weight in a short period of time or engage in overeating. One of the most distressing symptoms of depression is thinking about death, contemplating taking your own life or actually planning or attempting suicide (DSM, DATE). Individuals may also experience chronic aches and pains, which do not remit even with medical treatment (MIMH).
I believe psychotherapy is one of several key ways to address
symptoms of depression. I take a holistic approach to working with individuals with depression. I believe talk therapy can help you address the negative thinking and distorted beliefs you may be experiencing. It can also identify behaviors, like social withdrawal, which may need to be understood and shifted for the recovery process to occur. Medications can be a helpful intervention. I believe aerobic exercise and healthy nutrition play an important part in recovering from depression and are protective strategies for preventing the onset of another episode (Siegel, date: van der Kolk, Date).
Depression is a complex issue with many factors, which may contribute to its onset. I respect the courage it takes to address this illness and the devastation it can cause in your life and relationships. I would welcome the opportunity to answer any questions you might have about depression, my treatment philosophy, or how psychotherapy might help you. Thank you.
