People with depression may experience a loss of interest or pleasure in things they once enjoyed or even a lack of interest in daily activities. Some experience significant weight loss or gain, insomnia or excessive sleeping, lack of energy, difficulty concentrating, feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt and recurrent thoughts of death or suicide. The World Health Organization reports that 264 million people of all ages suffer from depression globally. Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide and is a major contributor to the overall global burden of disease. Depression can lead to suicide. Fortunately, depression is treatable.
Depression commonly manifests physically, through stomach pains, headaches, disrupted or excessive sleep, and motor control difficulty. While the causes of depression are unknown, a predisposition for it runs in families and it can be triggered by trauma and adverse life circumstances. Depression is diagnosed more frequently in women and tends to display differently in women than in men, as well as adolescents.
People tend to suffer higher rates of depression after giving birth and in late fall. Depression and anxiety often exacerbate each other and people with depression commonly have difficulty concentrating on tasks and conversations. Some people abuse alcohol and drugs or overeat as a way of coping, causing them to develop other medical problems. Depressed people are also at increased risk for self-harm.
Depression is a mental illness which is characterized by prolonged emotional symptoms including:
- Apathy
- Sadness
- Guilt
- Exhaustion
- Irritability
Diagnosing depression involves a biopsychosocial evaluation. A referral to your PCP may be given to determine whether a person’s symptoms are being caused by a medical condition. A person must have been experiencing symptoms for at least two weeks to be diagnosed with depression. Every person is unique and requires individual attention. Psychotherapy, medication through a psychiatrist or Primary Care Provider and adopting a healthier lifestyle complement each other well for the most effective treatment of a severe depressive disorder.
As a psychotherapist, it is not within my scope of practice to prescribe medication. However, if you are prescribed medication by your PCP or Psychiatrist with a signed ROI, I can coordinate with your provider for continuity of care.
Don't hesitate to reach out and get help today. There is hope.