Treatment for Depression
What is Depression?
Everybody gets sad from time to time based on life circumstances. It may be due to a death of a loved one, job loss, or a breakup. Regardless, the sadness and pain can be deep. Though these events can be significant, they are situational. When taken by themselves, they can be processed easier. By contrast, a depressive episode is all-encompassing and goes beyond any situation. For many people, it can last months and even years. For some, treatment for depression is sought out for support as a result.
Symptoms of Depression
Depression affects all aspects of life. Many times, it includes more symptoms than sadness alone. Some symptoms of depression are:
- Fatigue
- Lack of interest in hobbies or pleasurable things
- Apathy
- Sadness
- Low sex drive
- Loss of appetite
- Overwhelming negative thoughts
- Increased anger and irritability
- Excessive sleeping
- Difficulty with concentration
- Substance abuse
- Thoughts of suicide
Types of Depression
Bereavement (Grief and Loss)
When someone you love dies it can be devastating. Some losses are expected, such as the death of an elderly relative. Other losses can be sudden and shocking, such as death caused by an accident or a heart attack. Still, others can be very disturbing such as the death of a child or losing a loved one through violence. These circumstances can lead to feelings and symptoms of depression that may last weeks, months, or years.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Many people suffer depressive symptoms through the winter season when sunlight is less abundant. This disorder contributes to:
- Increased feelings of sadness
- Weight gain
- Increased sleep
- Feelings of hopelessness
- And withdrawal from others
These symptoms usually lift when spring approaches and then return again in late fall or early winter.
Major Depressive Disorder
When symptoms of depression are present for at last two weeks and negatively impact daily functioning, then it meets the criteria of Major Depressive Disorder or “clinical depression.” For many, some combo of genetic predisposition and life events can contribute to the onset of Major Depressive Disorder. But, many times there is no “single event” that triggers a depressive episode. A “chemical imbalance” that includes too little serotonin (the brain chemical that contributes to mood stability) may be the only driver in a depressive episode.
Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is a serious mental illness. It’s accompanied by drastic mood fluctuations from mania (endless energy, erratic behavior, grandiosity, and psychosis) to depressive episodes. When a person is diagnosed with Bipolar disorder, depression can range from moderate to severe. A person suffering from Bipolar disorder can also experience depressive episodes. These can change quickly to a manic episode and then back.
Treatment for Depression
Treatment for depression usually takes the form of either medication, therapy, or both. There are many treatment options for depression. These include medications such as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI). Since serotonin is low, these medications increase the amount of serotonin that the brain produces, ultimately lessening the negative symptoms of depression. Medication can provide a direct strategy that affects the chemistry of the brain.
Different Types of Treatment for Depression
There are many forms of therapy used to treat depression. The most common form is psychotherapy or “talk therapy.” There are many forms of treatment for depression. Some of these include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Psychodynamic Therapy
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Existential Therapy
- Interpersonal Therapy
- and others
These forms of therapy focus on the mind, thinking, and relationships.
Connect with us today if you or someone you love is looking treatment for depression.
Begin Treatment for Depression in Atlanta, GA
You don’t have to struggle with depression alone. Our team of caring therapists would be happy to support you in learning the tools to better manage your depression symptoms. We offer mental health services from our Atlanta, GA-based therapy practice. To start your therapy journey, please follow these simple steps:
- Contact North Atlanta Psychotherapy
- Meet with a caring therapist
- Start addressing the symptoms that effect you most!
Other Services Offered With North Atlanta Psychotherapy
Our team is happy to offer a variety of services in support of your mental health. We know you may be experiencing more than what treatment for depression can address. This is why we are happy to also offer play therapy, anxiety, therapy, and grief counseling. We also provide support for men, couples, teens, and children. Learn more about how we can support those with bipolar disorder and OCD, or visit our blog to learn more today.