Depressive Disorders
Over 13% of the U. S. population suffers from depression, which is characterized by low mood, aversion to activity, loss of interest and loss of feeling pleasure. Adolescents and young adults have an even high rate of depression (19.2% and 15.4% respectively). Research from the CDC reports that rates of depression have risen sharply over the last decade. Although the causes of depression are not completely known, it is clear that both genetics and environment play a role.
There are several different types of depression, including the more severe types, such as Bipolar Disorder and Major Depressive Disorder, as well as less severe types that typically are time limited, such as Adjustments Disorders, Stress and/or Trauma Related Disorders, and Prolonged Grief – all of which may include a component of depression as well as other symptoms.
More simply put, depression is a mental health disorder that affects how people think, eat, sleep and engage with the world around them. Depression ranges from severe, such as major depressive disorder, which is usually treated with medication - to mild and time limited types, such as adjustment disorders with depressed mood, which are generally treated with outpatient therapy.
Treatment of depression can include anti-depressant medication prescribed by your primary care physician or a psychiatrist, although some studies show that 2 out of 3 adults taking medication do not show improvement. Additionally, even when medication is effective, relief may not be long lasting, and symptoms often return when clients stop taking medication. Long term use of psychotropic medications often includes many unwanted side effects. When possible, learning tools to manage depression is a wiser and longer-lasting option.
Most of us will experience depressed mood at some point in the life span, triggered by trauma, a significant loss, family conflicts, separation and divorce, work or career issues, financial strains, or medical conditions. In recent years, the strong impact of climate change on mental health has been identified. Likewise, many of us are suffering from constant worry and sadness over politics and wars on our planet, the state of our economic, and hunger and homelessness in our communities, and existential angst about who we are and what we are meant to do in this lifetime. Any or all of these issues impact out mental health and have the potential to alter our mood for the worse.
My training in treating depression has been primarily with Cognitive Behavioral Therapies (CBT) and Mindfulness. After gathering a solid and detailed history, I begin therapy by teaching my clients a variety of simple tools for managing symptoms. These include methods for reducing negative thoughts, increasing energy and interest, re-engaging with others, and using mindfulness to keep you grounded in the present. I will encourage you to build a structure to support your needs, emotionally, physically, and socially. Over time the tools and the structure open a pathway to better mental health. If you want to change your life, you must learn to release faulty belief systems that keep depression in place. These are the ones that tell you that you are not okay, not worthy of happiness, not able to create the life you want. These beliefs are not true and were never true. Learning to replace faulty beliefs with healthier ones can make a huge difference in your life and your mood. We all deserve happiness. Making the choice to pursue better mental health is a first step to that path.
If depression symptoms are affecting daily life, causing significant distress, or leading to thoughts of self-harm or suicide, it's crucial to seek professional help immediately. Depression is a treatable condition, and the sooner you get help the better.