
Depression is a very real and challenging condition that can affect anyone. If you or a loved one is struggling with persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or a loss of interest in daily activities, you can get help and regain control over your emotions with treatment. Liz Chelak delivers effective depression treatment by identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors and eliminating triggers from your life. Liz understands how damaging depression can be and provides invaluable comfort and motivation for you to move forward and improve your quality of life.
Begin personalized therapy, online or in-person, in West Palm Beach, and Boca Raton, FL.
Depression is a serious disorder that affects your whole body, including your mood and thoughts. It touches every part of your life and leaves you unable to do daily tasks, like get out of bed, brush your teeth, or feel excited about anything. It is important to know that depression is not a personal weakness or character flaw. Treatment can help treat depression.
If you have had an episode of depression, chances are you will have more throughout life. If you don’t get treatment, depression can happen more often and turn serious.
Read on to learn what depression is, how it can affect you, and what treatments can help you get back on the path of recovery.
What Is Depression?
Depression is a common mental health issue characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest in regular, once-enjoyable activities. Depression is a very real and challenging condition that can affect anyone. It persists practically every day for at least two weeks and involves symptoms other than sadness alone. People who are affected by depression face difficulty functioning in their daily routines.
Depression can feel overwhelming, but the path to recovery is not a difficult one. With the right support and care, most people can return to emotional wellness.
Understanding depression, and following the proven management strategies can help you take the first step towards a brighter future.
Symptoms of Depression
Symptoms of depression may include the following:
- Persistent sadness, tearfulness, anxiety, hopelessness
- Feeling empty, without purpose
- Pessimism, feeling nothing will get better
- Angry outbursts, feeling worthless or helpless
- Feeling restless, irritable, or edgy
- Feeling guilty and focusing on failures
- Loss of interest in people, hobbies, and activities they once enjoyed
- Fatigue, loss of energy, moving and talking slowly
- Changes in appetite or weight changes
- Difficulty with memory, concentration, and decision-making
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Change in energy levels
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Unexplained physical pain, like back pain, headaches, or digestive problems
- Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts
If you are suffering from some or all of the following symptoms most of the day, nearly every day for at least two weeks, contact your physician or a mental health provider.
Causes of Depression
The exact causes or origins of depression are not entirely clear, as it usually results from a complex interplay of various genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors. Rather than a single cause, such as chemical imbalance, depression is believed to stem from a combination of biological, genetic, environmental, and emotional elements working together.
Any of these factors may contribute to depression:
- Disrupted mood regulation – Depression can result from dysregulated mood control. Specific regions and functions of the brain control our emotions. Imbalances or fluctuations in key brain chemicals could contribute to the onset of depressive symptoms.
- Nerve circuits – Researchers believe that dysfunction in nerve circuits may result in depression.
- Genes – Certain genes with mood disorders may increase the risk of developing depression.
- Personality – People with low self-esteem and those with a pessimistic outlook are at more risk of depression.
- Trauma – Experiencing significant traumas such as physical or emotional abuse, a serious accident, assault, the loss of a loved one, conflict with family or friends, or even a natural disaster can increase the risk of developing depression. If these symptoms do not diminish over time, it increases the likelihood of depression.
- Major life events – Losing a job, divorce, retirement, financial issues, or even a positive major event can lead to stress that may trigger depression.
- Substance abuse – Use of drugs or excessive drinking can make you feel lonely, sad, and hopeless. These feelings are linked to depression. Substance abuse and depression often occur together, and one condition can increase the risk and severity of the other.
- Medications – Some medications prescribed for acid reflux, allergies, anxiety, sleep, and other conditions may trigger depression as a side effect.
- Medical issues – A serious or chronic illness, injury, disability, or other medical problem can lead to depression.
Depression can occur at any age, but it is more commonly seen in young adults, with the highest rates occurring in individuals ages 18 to 25 years old. In some cases, depression can lead to thoughts of suicide or self-harm, which requires immediate medical attention.
Types of Depression
There are several types of depression with varying levels of severity.
The two most commonly diagnosed forms of depression are:
- Major depressive disorder (MDD), also known as clinical depression
- Persistent depressive disorder (PDD), formerly called dysthymic disorder
People with either disorder struggle with low mood, although symptoms may not be as severe in PDD. The major difference between both these types of depression is the duration of their symptoms.
Other Forms of Depression
Some less commonly diagnosed forms of depression include:
- Psychotic depression – it is severe depression combined with hallucinations or delusions.
- Postpartum depression – it usually occurs during pregnancy or after giving birth.
- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder – it is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome, resulting in extreme mood shifts.
- Situational depression – this type of depression is triggered by traumatic events like the death of a loved one, divorce, job loss, or accident. It is usually short-term depression.
- Seasonal affective disorder – it is a subset of depression as it is seasonal, beginning and ending at the same time each year.
- Bipolar disorder – it is a mood disorder characterized by alternating periods of low and very high mood. Individuals with bipolar disorder experience severe mood swings, which include episodes of elevated mood. People with depression do not have periods of elevated mood during their depressive episodes.
For more information about our counselors or to schedule an appointment for your therapy, call our office by number:
(561) 363-7994What Happens When Depression Is Not Treated?
If left untreated, any depressive disorder can turn life-threatening. Not only does the condition cause unwanted suffering, but it can also lead to risky behavior, work or school problems, substance abuse, damaged relationships, physical illnesses, and more.
Without professional help, depression can last for years and have severe consequences.
Detrimental Effects on Mind and Body
It can have detrimental effects on mental and physical health, take a toll on emotions, and impact cognitive function and reasoning.
Cognitive Functioning and Reasoning
Studies show that people suffering from major depressive disorder often experience higher levels of inflammation in the brain, and this inflammation may affect areas that regulate reasoning and concentration. This inflammation can lead to cognitive decline and makes it more difficult for people with depression to focus and solve problems. Impaired cognitive abilities can, in turn, worsen the symptoms of depression. This creates a vicious cycle that can impair mental and functional well-being if left untreated.
Increased Risk of Physical Illnesses
Long-term depression increases the risk of developing serious physical health issues. The chronic stress and inflammation associated with depression can take a toll on the body, increasing the likelihood of high blood pressure, insulin and cholesterol levels, and irregular heart rhythms, which can result in heart diseases.
Studies also show a link between depression and diabetes. Depression can also lead to migraines, chorine pain, and gastrointestinal problems and increases the risk of low bone density and osteoporosis.
Treatment Options for Curing Depression
Depression can be treated. Even though it may take time, depression is one of the most treatable mental disorders. Most of the people who undergo treatment for depression respond well and notice a significant improvement in symptoms.
Experts say that treating depression works best with a mix of therapy and prescribed medications. In addition, avoiding alcohol and drugs, managing stress, exercising regularly, getting sufficient sleep, and long-term support is crucial for long-term results.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is the most crucial part of treating depression. It helps you identify the causes of your depression, change negative thoughts, and handle factors that trigger depression. Also known as talk therapy, it involves talking to a mental health professional who focuses on changing your thinking patterns and improving coping skills, so you are better equipped to deal with life’s stressors and conflicts.
Common therapy options include individual, family, couples, or group therapy. Therapy may continue for several months or years, depending on your condition. Sometimes, a brief psychotherapy is all you need.
There are many types of psychotherapy:
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
It is a type of psychotherapy that helps you identify and change negative thoughts patterns, and behaviors that result in depression. The goal of CBT is to replace these damaging thoughts and behaviors with more positive, realistic ones so you can move forward in life.
Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)
IPT focuses on improving your interpersonal relationships and communication skills, which can reduce the symptoms of depression. This therapy explores how your relationships and life changes may be contributing to your depression and focuses on managing them.
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)
This therapy combines elements of CBT with mindfulness practices such as meditation and breathing exercises. It helps you become more aware of your thoughts and feelings so you can learn to accept them without judgment and, in doing so, prevent the risk of relapse.
Medications
Medications can regulate brain chemistry to alleviate symptoms of depression and work alongside psychotherapy to cure depression effectively.
Your mental health professional may recommend the following antidepressants:
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
- Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
- Tricyclic antidepressants
These medications work by regulating the brain’s neurotransmitters, which can alleviate the symptoms of depression. It is important to know that medications work differently for everyone. Your healthcare provider will recommend the right medication and dosage to manage your condition.
Lifestyle Strategies That Help Manage Depression
While psychological and medical treatment can help in recovery, there are many other ways to improve and manage your depression symptoms and stay well.
They include:
- Attending sessions and appointments as scheduled and completing any assignments as recommended by your therapist.
- Take medications as prescribed by your therapist and doctor. If medications are not effective, tell your doctor. You should not stop taking an antidepressant abruptly or without informing your doctor.
- Staying away from alcohol and illegal drugs, as they only worsen your depression.
- Practicing stress management and relaxation skills such as yoga, mindfulness, meditation, journaling, and reading inspirational stories.
- Eating a nutritious diet, drinking plenty of water, and avoiding processed food and sugar.
- Exercising regularly as exercise and workout triggers the brain to increase levels of chemicals that improve mood and keep away depression.
- Getting seven to nine hours of sleep to keep your mind and body in good shape.
- Developing and maintaining a strong social support network, like joining a local support group.
- Engaging in purposeful activities and hobbies that provide a sense of meaning and accomplishment.
- Practicing gratitude and focusing on the positive aspects of your life, even during challenging times.
Related articles:
- 4 Differences Between CBT and DBT and How to Tell Which is Right for You
- Seeing a Therapist for Anger Issues
- What is Trauma Therapy?
- 5 Effective Trauma Therapy Methods
Relapse, Slips, and Recurrence in Depression
The biggest challenge in managing depression is the risk of relapse and recurrence. Even after it is treated successfully, there is a chance that you may experience another depressive episode or slip in the future.
Relapse refers to a return of the full depressive episode, meeting the diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder. On the other hand, a temporary setback is a short-lived and more minor resurgence of some depressive symptoms without reaching the clinical threshold for a full relapse. Research shows that up to 50% of people who have had one depressive episode will have another, and the risk of recurrence increases with each subsequent episode.
Begin personalized therapy, online or in-person, in West Palm Beach, and Boca Raton, FL.
Preventing Relapse and Managing Recurrence
Consistent treatment and integrating required lifestyle strategies such as stress management, healthy habits, and strong support can prevent lapse. Recognizing early warning signs and acting quickly can help you address the troubling symptoms and enjoy long-term recovery.
Your therapist can play a crucial role in preventing relapse so you can live better.
Overcoming depression is a deeply personal journey, but that does not mean you have to go through it alone. Call the Trauma Therapy Center in WPB & Boca Raton today and schedule an appointment with Liz Chelak to seek support and overcome depression. With her compassionate and emphatic support, Liz takes you toward healing and a more satisfying life. She helps you connect with people and resources that can uplift and empower you to navigate the challenges and find the right path to happiness.