Depression is a mental health disorder characterized by a continuous depressed mood or loss of interest in some activities. This causes serious impairment and affects how one feels, thinks, and handles daily activities.

When diagnosing depression, a medical professional will evaluate symptoms appearing in three main categories. Symptoms that fall under the mood category include anxiety, apathy, general discontent, guilt, hopelessness, mood swings, or sadness.

There are also some behavioral symptoms including agitation, excessive crying, irritability, restlessness, or social isolation.

Lastly are physical symptoms which can be seen as insomnia, excessive hunger or fatigue, lack of concentration, and dramatic weight loss or gain.

Other factors that can play a role in depression are biochemistry, genetics, personality, and environmental factors.

This common condition can last for years or even a lifetime, but fortunately, it is treatable. Proper treatment can help someone suffering with depression live a happier and more fulfilling life.

Support groups are a form of counseling that focuses on sharing experiences among people with a similar condition and goal.

After proper evaluation to identify specific symptoms, there are a few possible courses of action including medication, psychotherapy (mainly Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) and family and group therapy. Family and group therapy is a great option and can help address issues within close relationships depending on the situation. Additionally, there are a number of things people can do to help reduce the symptoms themselves with self-help and coping techniques such as lifestyle and diet changes and experimenting with meditation and yoga.

We offer a number of different therapies that can help with you or your loved ones concerns about Depression. Trust that you are in good hands. Give us a call to schedule an appointment with a therapist.