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What is Clinical Depression?
Clinical depression is a mental health condition in which people experience an ongoing low mood, loss of interest, and/or a lack of enjoyment in daily activities.
Depression can be related to genetics and has many possible causes, including neurological conditions like Parkinson's disease, attention deficit disorder (including both ADHD and the less severe Attention Deficit Disorder), stroke, or dementia. Other factors such as stress, recent losses or extreme hardships, sleep deprivation, and even recent childbirth can also play a role. Major depression is more common than any other type of psychiatric illness. Depression affects 1 out of 20 adults worldwide at some point during their lives.
Signs of Depression
Depression has many different signs, but some of the most common are:
- A feeling of sadness or emptiness much of the time.
- Losing interest in activities that were once enjoyed, like work and hobbies.
- Being bothered by physical symptoms for no identifiable reason, such as a headache or stomach ache.
- Changes in sleeping patterns- either insomnia where it is difficult to fall asleep and/or frequent waking at night, or hypersomnia where one feels the need to sleep all day and night long with little awareness of tiredness yet still struggling to get restful sleep.
- Eating much less than usual, resulting in significant weight loss (5%+ below previous weight) or eating significantly more than before with no change in weight (5%+ above previous weight).
- Feeling extremely tired and drained most of the time, to the point where even small tasks feel like too much effort.
- Having difficulty concentrating, making decisions, or remembering things.
- Anxiety, agitation, or restlessness.
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicide.
If someone is experiencing a number of these symptoms for more than two weeks, it is likely that they are suffering from clinical depression and should seek professional help.
Effects of Depression
When someone is depressed, they experience a wide range of symptoms that affect not only them as an individual but also those around them.
Having trouble concentrating and making decisions are common effects for anyone suffering from depression, which can lead to problems thinking things through and general indecisiveness. When it comes to work or school, this indecision can cause lower productivity and getting things done on time. It's easier to procrastinate when feeling overwhelmed and depressed.
Depression can also lead to a feeling of isolation, as the person may lose interest in spending time with friends and family. Isolation can then lead to problems in relationships. Depression can also lead to negative thinking patterns, where the person starts to see themselves and the world around them in a more negative light.
How is Depression Treated?
There are many different types of treatment for depression that can be tailored to the individual. Sometimes, medication and therapy can be used together.
Some people with mild depression may only need therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or problem-solving therapy. These therapies help people to change the negative thoughts and behaviors that are associated with depression. For people with more severe depression, medication is can sometimes be needed in addition to therapy.
For more information on depression and anxiety, read more on this page.
Depression Therapy Near Me
If you are struggling and think you may need depression therapy, we can help you get to the point where you can feel hopeful and empowered. Additionally, if you have a loved one who may be depressed, especially an adolescent or college student, there are steps that you can take to support them. We can help you recognize signs and give you resources to stay safe.
We are committed to helping local individuals understand and manage depression. Healing is possible. With the guidance and support of a trained counselor, you can find relief from oppressive emotions and symptoms of depression and feel alive again.
You can fill out this form for a free 15-minute consultation at Integrated Counseling and Wellness and meet with a counselor. Our team of professionals is here to help!
