Looking for information on depression?
You may be looking for information on depression. If so, then you are likely curious about what is depression, how depression is diagnosed, what are the symptoms of depression, and how depression can be treated. As we dive into different information on depression, we want to first explain that it is common to feel sad, lonely, or depressed at different points in your life. These are common emotions and reactions to tough times in life. Those who tend to receive the greatest benefit from depression counseling usually suffer from symptoms of depression that last for weeks or months at a time. Those who benefit greatly from counseling may also be experiencing symptoms that impact their ability to effectively cope with day-to-day tasks and activities. If you think you may benefit from depression counseling, then we encourage you to reach out to your doctor and enlist the help of a professional today in order to alleviate your symptoms and feel better. There are various factors that contribute to depression, including to brain chemistry and traumatic life events.
What is depression?
Depression is a serious medical illness that affects how you feel, think, and act. There are several types of depression, including:
- Major depression
- You experience symptoms of depression that affect your ability to enjoy life and cope with daily activities.
- Persistent depressive disorder
- You have experienced symptoms of depression for at least 2 years.
- Psychotic depression
- You are experiencing the symptoms of depression as well as the symptoms of psychosis (delusions or hallucinations).
- Postpartum depression
- Hormonal and physical changes after giving birth led to postpartum depression. This is different than the “post baby blues”.
- Seasonal affective disorder
- You experience the symptoms of depression during the winter months when there is a natural decrease in sunlight.
How is depression diagnosed?
Depression is usually diagnosed by your doctor or another licensed medical professional. Your doctor will often use a series of screening tools and specific questions to better understand your symptoms and challenges. If you think you or a loved one may be suffering from depression, please contact your doctor today. He or she can give you more information on depression and help you understand the next best step.
What are the symptoms of depression?
The signs and symptoms of depression include (but are not limited to):
- Feelings of sadness, loneliness, “emptiness”, anxiety, and uncertainty
- Feeling less excitement about situations, activities, and people that you used to enjoy
- Feelings of hopelessness or helplessness
- A change in energy levels
- Difficulty focusing on day-to-day tasks
- Trouble making decisions
- Trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up
- Unintentional changes in appetite or weight
- Restlessness or irritability
- Thoughts of death or suicide
What are the treatments for depression?
Treatments for depression can include counseling, medication, or a combination of both counseling and medication. It is important to work with your doctor to find the best treatment plan for you. If you are curious about specific techniques that can be used to alleviate your symptoms and help you feel better, please give us a call at Cherry Hill Counseling. Specific techniques that may be used during a counseling session with one of our counselors include identifying and modifying maladaptive beliefs, cognitive reframing, learning emotional regulation skills, assessing value and life goals, learning conflict resolution and problem solving skills, role-playing, and more. Individual counseling sessions can be very beneficial to provide relief and let you know that you don’t have to walk through life alone.
When you’re ready for more information on depression, please call us today at (847) 438-4222. Our team at Cherry Hill Counseling is comprised of clinicians who specialize in working with individuals and families affected by addictions, trauma, miscommunication, anxiety, depression, and more. We can provide a safe space dedicated to giving yourself and your family the support, care, and guidance you need. We will work hard to restore your relationships, provide you relief from unwanted distress, and improve your daily life. We look forward to hearing from you!
- Anxiety Disorders. (March 2016). In National Institute of Mental Health. Retrieved from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/depression-what-you-need-to-know/index.shtml
- Anxiety Disorders. In National Institute of Mental Health. Retrieved from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression/index.shtml.
- Overcoming Depression: Counseling and Therapy. In Clinical Depression. Retrieved from http://www.clinical-depression.co.uk/dlp/treating-depression/overcoming-depression-counseling-and-therapy/.
- What is depression? In American Psychiatric Association. Retrieved from https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/depression/what-is-depression.