What Is Depression?
Depression is a common mental health disorder that significantly impacts one’s mood, thoughts, and overall functioning. It can interfere with work, daily activities, and relationships. While everyone feels sad or down occasionally, experiencing these feelings daily for at least two weeks could indicate clinical depression.
Symptoms of Depression May Include:
- Persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, or emptiness for at least two weeks
- Loss of appetite or overeating
- Difficulty falling asleep or sleeping too much
- Feelings of guilt, failure, worthlessness, or hopelessness
- Slow speech or movement that others notice, or fidgeting and restlessness
- Difficulty focusing or concentrating
- Negative mood or outlook
- Difficulty making decisions, concentration issues, or memory problems
- Loss of interest in hobbies or activities
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicidal ideation
- Physical symptoms unexplained by other disorders, such as fatigue, lack of energy, headaches, digestive issues, or lower pain tolerance
Causes of Depression
Depression does not have a single cause; it can result from a combination of factors. Common causes include:
- Loss of a loved one
- Job loss
- Divorce or breakup
- Financial difficulties
- Significant health issues such as diabetes, cancer, or heart disease
- Genetics
- Chemical imbalances
Psychotherapy Treatment for Depression
Psychotherapy is a proven treatment for depression. It helps patients change unhealthy habits, learn new ways of thinking, adopt healthy behaviors, and navigate difficult situations or relationships that may contribute to depression. Understanding and coping with depression takes time, so it is crucial to be patient, seek support, and start the healing process. Our supportive, person-centered therapy focuses on your path to recovery, helping you begin the journey to better mental health.
For more information and to schedule a consultation, contact us today.