Depression

Depression is a common but still serious mental health condition affecting how you feel, think and handle daily activities. It goes beyond occasional sadness or feeling down. Depression can cause a persistent sense of hopelessness, worthlessness and emotional numbness, interfering with every part of life.

People with depression may struggle to maintain relationships, perform at work or school and find enjoyment in the activities they once were interested in or loved.

Depression is more prevalent than many may realize. The World Health Organization says it affects more than 280 million people globally. It’s one of the leading disability causes worldwide, but depression is treatable. You can recover and regain control of your life with the right support.

Understanding Depression

Depression isn’t a one-size-fits-all condition. There are different types, each of which has its own set of symptoms and challenges. The more common types of depression include:

• Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): Characterized by consistent sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest in activities for at least two weeks, MDD can significantly disrupt daily life and functioning.
• Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD): Also known as dysthymia, this form of depression involves chronic, low-level symptoms lasting for two years or more. It’s less severe than MDD but can still significantly impair your quality of life.
• Bipolar Depression: Individuals with bipolar disorder experience extreme mood swings. These include episodes of depression and periods of mania or hypomania.
• Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): This type of depression occurs during certain times of the year, usually during winter when there’s limited daylight. SAD can lead to symptoms like low energy, weight gain and social withdrawal.
• Postpartum depression: After childbirth, depression can affect the new mother’s emotional and physical well-being and make it hard for her to care for herself and the baby.

Causes of Depression

Depression can develop because of factors that are biological, environmental and psychological, including:

• Biological factors: Genetics play a role in depression. You may be at higher risk if you have a family history of the condition. Imbalances in brain chemicals like dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin can also contribute to depressive symptoms.
• Environmental factors: Stressful life events can trigger depression, as can ongoing exposure to abuse, neglect or violence.
• Psychological factors: Low self-esteem, negative thinking patterns and perfectionism make a person more susceptible to depression, as can the experience of childhood trauma or unresolved emotional conflicts.

The Impact of Depression on Mental and Physical Health

Depression affects more than just your mood. It can have a profound impact on your mental and physical health.

Mentally, depression can lead to problems with concentration, memory and decision-making. It can also amplify feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness, leading some to withdraw from their responsibilities.

Physically, depression can cause fatigue, digestive issues, headaches and chronic pain.

The condition is associated with sleep disturbances, including excessive sleeping and insomnia.

Over time, if depression remains untreated, it can impact the immune system and make it harder for the body to fight off illnesses.

Depression can also make pre-existing conditions worse, like diabetes and heart disease, creating a cycle of declining health.

Signs and Symptoms of Depression

Depression manifests in different ways, affecting emotional health as well as physical and cognitive functioning.

Emotional Symptoms:

Some of the more frequently experienced emotional symptoms of depression include:

• A continuous feeling of emptiness, hopelessness or sadness, even without an apparent cause.
• Activities or hobbies that once brought joy aren’t fulfilling anymore. Spending time with loved ones, socializing, or working can feel burdensome.
• Small things that wouldn’t normally bother a person can cause frustration and irritation, sometimes leading to angry outbursts.
• Someone dealing with depression may feel they’re a burden to others or their life has no purpose, leading to low self-esteem and self-criticism.
• In severe cases, depression can lead to frequent thoughts of death or suicidal ideation.

Signs and Symptoms of Depression

Depression manifests in different ways, affecting emotional health as well as physical and cognitive functioning.

Emotional Symptoms:

Some of the more frequently experienced emotional symptoms of depression include:

• A continuous feeling of emptiness, hopelessness or sadness, even without an apparent cause.
• Activities or hobbies that once brought joy aren’t fulfilling anymore. Spending time with loved ones, socializing, or working can feel burdensome.
• Small things that wouldn’t normally bother a person can cause frustration and irritation, sometimes leading to angry outbursts.
• Someone dealing with depression may feel they’re a burden to others or their life has no purpose, leading to low self-esteem and self-criticism.
• In severe cases, depression can lead to frequent thoughts of death or suicidal ideation.

Physical Symptoms

Depression can take a toll on the body as well as the mind, and common physical symptoms can include:

• Fatigue and lack of energy even after getting a full night’s sleep. Feeling physically drained makes even basic daily tasks seem overwhelming.
• Depression can cause insomnia, or some people will experience hypersomnia, leading to excessive napping or sleeping during the day.
• Depression can suppress appetite and contribute to unintentional weight loss but can also lead to overeating and weight gain.
• Unexplained physical symptoms like muscle tension, back pain or headaches are common when someone is experiencing depression.

Cognitive Symptoms

Depression can interfere with cognitive abilities and make it hard to focus and function in everyday life. Cognitive depression symptoms can include:

• Problems staying focused at school, work, or during routine activities.
• Even simple decisions can become overwhelming.
• Memory problems that make it hard to remember tasks, details or conversations.
• Dwelling on negative thoughts or outcomes, called rumination, is common in people with depression.

Our Approach to Depression Treatment

At Invigorate Behavioral Health Counseling Center, we believe in treating the whole person, not just the symptoms of depression they may be experiencing. Our treatment philosophy is rooted in compassion, evidence-based practices and individualized care.

No two people experience depression in the same way, so we tailor each treatment plan to meet the unique needs of every individual.

Our goal is the provision of a safe, supportive and healing environment where patients can work through their depression and reclaim a sense of balance and well-being.

Types of Therapy Offered

We use several therapeutic modalities to address depression, including:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT is among the most widely used treatment approaches for depression, helping individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors that may contribute to their depression. Learning new ways of thinking and responding can help develop coping mechanisms and improve mood over time.
• Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT): DBT is effective for depression, especially when it involves intense emotional swings. DBT teaches mindfulness, tolerance of distress, and emotional regulation and helps build effective interpersonal skills.
• Mindfulness-based therapy: Integrating mindfulness practices like meditation and breathing into treatment can help manage stress, regulate emotions and encourage you to stay present.

Medication may also be part of treating depression, so our team works to provide comprehensive medication management as part of a broader treatment plan.

At Invigorate Behavioral Health, we’re committed to helping individuals not only manage their depression but find a path to lasting wellness. We empower individuals to take control of their mental health and thrive.