.webp)
.webp)
Depression
Depression
Depression is a colloquial term that is often used for the condition of major depressive disorder, a mood disorder where an individual has persistent feelings of sadness, apathy, hopelessness, or helplessness. Within this are a number of types of depression:
A severe depression that lasts for at least two weeks, characterized at a minimum by low mood or loss of interest in activities
A mood disorder linked to hormonal shifts in and around pregnancy. Severity can range from chronic feelings of sadness and lethargy to psychosis in its most severe forms
A form of chronic depression that lasts for at least two years but that may be punctuated by short and infrequent episodes of emotional wellness
Symptoms come in periods of extreme lows followed by periods of abnormally elevated mood known as mania. Depressive episodes come with a marked risk of suicide, while manic highs may lead to greatly impaired decisions and other disruptive, risky behaviors
Recognizing Depression
All of these conditions are characterized by a lot more than just feeling sad. While the symptoms of depression vary from type to type and individual to individual, they often include:
Depression symptoms also come in degrees. While major depression may be the most noticeable manifestation of this mood disorder, moderate depression symptoms are also cause for concern – and often go overlooked. A structured intervention with the guidance of a mental health professional can be especially helpful in cases where, to others concerned, an issue is manifesting. The person at the epicenter may be in denial that their symptoms are a reason to seek treatment.
What Causes Depression?
Like most mental health conditions, depression does not come from one place and does not present in a unified way. Part of the job of the intervention team is to gain a professional understanding and evaluation of what the individual is experiencing. The beginning of the intervention process involves a family assessment in which the loved ones of the person of concern help us build a holistic picture of the individual’s life and mental health background.
Our team is compassionate and non-judgmental, and we understand the difficulties you and your family may be facing in starting this conversation. Ultimately, the process is all about highlighting the areas of concern and guiding the individual toward the best and most appropriate medical and psychological treatments.
Treatment of Depression
The many mental disorders that fall under the umbrella of “depression” have been subjects of extensive research in clinical psychology over the past century. Because of this, anyone interested in getting therapy for depression potentially has access to a great range of evidence-based treatment options from a range of excellent mental health care providers.
The modalities commonly used to treat depression include, but are not limited to:
Talk therapy, especially CBT, is highly effective in depression treatment. However, your interventionist will make an assessment based on their client’s symptoms and personal history, as well as any co-occurring mental health conditions and other situational factors, talking both the family and the individual involved through their treatment options before making any referrals.
.webp)
Medication in Depression Treatment
For many, treating depression means introducing long-term medical interventions into their lives, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). In fact, randomized controlled trials suggest that combining selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor such as fluoxetine with cognitive behavior therapy may, in fact, be one of the most effective strategies to ease depression symptoms.
As they build a detailed picture of your loved one’s needs, your intervention team will be able to offer information specific to your case. They may recommend consultations with a primary care doctor in accessing medications to treat depression in addition to connecting you to a mental health professional or clinic offering psychotherapeutic interventions. In the case of treatment-resistant depression, they will be able to recommend alternatives.
Your Partners Through the Ongoing Journey of Depression Recovery
Depression can impact every part of a person’s life—and the lives of those who love them. Our team remains by your side with compassionate guidance and ongoing consultation to help you navigatetreatment, transitions, and moments of uncertainty.If you need support understanding what comes next, we’re here.
Contact us anytime.
.webp)
