Depression

Depression is a mood disorder that causes severe symptoms that affect how a person feels, thinks and ability to handle daily activities. Not everyone with depression will experience the same depressive symptoms. Depression causes negative thoughts that lead to persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, irritation, anger and helplessness, a low energy level that results in low productivity in interest in hobbies and interests you once used to enjoy. It affects your sleep (insomnia or hypersomnia), eating habits and it may lead to thoughts of death, suicide or self-harm. You may also experience physical issues, such as headaches, stomach-ache and you may have a difficult time concentrating, making decision or remembering things.​

 

Symptoms can vary in severity, frequency and how long they last.​

 

There are several types of depressive disorder: major depressive disorder (the most severe type of depression), persistent depressive disorder (mild or moderate depression that lasts for at least two years), seasonal affective disorder (a form of major depressive disorder that arises during the fall and winter and ends in spring and summer), postpartum depression (it occurs within four weeks of delivering a baby).​ To receive a diagnosis of depression, you must have five depression symptoms every day for at least two weeks.

 

Treatment for depression​

 

Psychotherapy (talk therapy) helps you identify and change unhelpful thoughts, emotions and behaviours. CBT has been found as being very effective in the treatment of depression. Some people may need therapy briefly, others may need support for several months or years.​Antidepressant medications can help change the brain chemistry that causes depression. There are several types of antidepressants and some have side effects, which often improve with time.​If you are hoping to finally lighten this load and feel like yourself again, contact me today for a free consultation.

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