Depression Help

We all can feel sad or low sometimes, but these feelings usually pass with a little time. Depression is more than feeling blue and it is not something you can just snap out of. Depression, also called major depressive disorder or clinical depression, is different. When people are depressed, they can show errors in their thinking. It can cause severe symptoms that affect how they feel, think, and behave. This has a massive impact on relationships with loved ones, as well as one’s overall quality of life.  You may have trouble doing normal day-to-day activities, and sometimes you may feel as if life isn't worth living. 

Symptoms of major depression include:

• distinctly depressed or irritable mood
• loss of interest or pleasure
• decreased or increased weight or appetite
• decreased or increased sleep
• appearing slowed or agitated
• fatigue and loss of energy
• feeling worthless or guilty
• poor concentration or indecisiveness
• thoughts of death, or suicide plans or attempts

Part of therapy will include learning to identify and correct distortions in thought, it is often the best way to accomplish rapid and lasting mental health benefits. 

 there are many possible causes of depression, including faulty mood regulation by the brain, genetic vulnerability, and stressful life events. It's believed that several of these forces interact to bring on depression.  A variety of symptoms usually accompany any type of depression. And the symptoms can vary significantly among different people. 

With this level of complexity, you can see how two people might have similar symptoms of depression, but the problem on the inside, and therefore what treatments will work best, may be entirely different.   

Effective treatments include talk therapy, medications, and exercise.  

Depression may require long-term treatment. But don't get discouraged. Most people with depression feel better with medication, psychotherapy or both.