Treatment and Assessment of Depression
Throughout the course of our lives, we all experience bouts of sadness and unhappiness. Feelings of sadness can develop because of loss, change, disappointment or a general malaise. Many times these feelings of sadness dissipate over a short period of time. However, sometimes these feelings seem to persist and may interfere with one's ability to cope with daily life and responsibilities. It is at these times that talking to a professional can help.
If you feel you may be struggling with depression, we can help.
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There are different types of depression or mood disorders that include feelings of depression:
Major Depression: Major Depression is a change in mood that usually lasts for several weeks or months. Sometimes a person has one episode of major depression and sometimes these episodes can recur throughout the course of someone's life. Major depression often includes the following symptoms: depressed mood, feelings of hopelessness, a loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities, disturbances in sleep and appetite, difficulty concentrating and making decisions, physical symptoms (such as fatigue) and sometimes thoughts of suicide. These symptoms often interfere with one's ability to carry on with their daily responsibilities.
Dysthymia/Dysthymic Disorder: Dysthymia is experienced as a less intense feeling of depression; but, often lasts for a much longer period of time, sometimes for years. People with dysthymia often do not experience significant disruptions in their daily functioning but struggle with ongoing periods of depression.
Bipolar Disorder: People with Bipolar Disorder often struggle with episodes of significant depression and one or more episodes of mania or hypomania. These fluctuations can be devastating and can significantly impact one's daily personal and social functioning.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): SAD is a type of depression that occurs during certain times of the year, often during the winter months. Although SAD is predictable, the feelings of depression can be quite severe.
Adjustment Disorder with Depression: Depression is often a response to life events such as loss, job change, relationship changes, etc. This type of depression usually remits over the course of a several months; however, it is often disruptive enough that talking with a professional can help with the symptoms.
Postpartum Depression: Childbirth is an emotionally exhilarating experience that brings with it fear, excitement, pure joy and sometimes depression. It is estimated that up to 10% of new mothers experience emotional distress following childbirth in the form of depression. It can be confusing that such intense sad feelings can follow such a joyful time; however, it does occur and treatment can be invaluable to help you cope with the changes in your life and the feelings you are experiencing so that you can enjoy the experience of being a new mother. Equilibria Psychological and Consultation Services has mental health clinicians that are trained to help individuals with depression by utilizing an integrative, strength based treatment model to address each individual's set of unique issues associated with depression. We pull from cognitive-behavioral, interpersonal, systems-focused, and insight oriented approaches to design effective treatment, consultation and assessment strategies to help our clients.
If you feel you are struggling with one of these conditions, we can help.