Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. It is also called major depressive disorder or clinical depression. It affects how you feel, think, and behave. Depression can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems and it may interfere with an individual’s ability to participate in normal day-to-day activities. In severe cases of depression, people may experience suicidal ideations and feel as though life is not worth living.
Depression is more than just a bout of the blues. It is not a weakness nor can someone simply “snap out” of it. Major depression can be a serious condition, but it is treatable. Most people experience positive results from treatment.
An estimated 16 million American adults, approximately 7% of the population, experienced at least 1 major depressive episode over the last year. Women are 70% more likely than men to experience depression. Young adults between the ages of 18 and 25 are 60% more likely to have depression than people aged 50 or older.
Symptoms:
Some individuals may experience depression only one time during their life. More often than not, people have multiple episodes of depression. During these episodes, symptoms occur most of the day, nearly every day and may include:
- Feelings of sadness, tearfulness, emptiness or hopelessness
- Irritability or frustration and anger outbursts even over small matters
- Decreased interest or loss of pleasure in most or all normal activities
- Sleep disturbances, such as either difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
- Fatigue and lack of energy making even small tasks more effortful
- Changes in appetite to include wither reduced appetite and weight loss or increased cravings for food and weight gain
- Anxiety, agitation, or restlessness
- Slowed thinking, speaking, or body movements
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt, obsessing over past failures, or negative self-views
- Trouble thinking, concentrating, making decisions, and remembering things
- Unexplained physical problems, such as back pain or headaches
- Rumination about death and dying, suicidal thoughts, or suicide attempts
For many people with depression, symptoms usually are severe enough to cause noticeable problems in day-to-day activities, such as work, school, social activities, and relationships with others. Other people may feel generally miserable or unhappy without really knowing why.
Treatment:
I specialize in the therapeutic treatment of depression utilizing cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness techniques, and solution-focused therapy. Behavioral techniques may also include exercise as well as engaging in pleasurable activities. Exercise has been shown to help alleviate symptoms of depression
Find more information at:
http://www.nami.org/Learn-More/Mental-Health-Conditions/Depression
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/symptoms-causes/syc-20356007
My Personal Theory of Therapy
Mind Balance Psychology Center LLC
5755 North Point Parkway
Suite 249
Alpharetta GA 30022
(678) 682-4950
Individual Therapy
Individual therapy consists of one-on-one meetings between the therapist and client.
Telemental Health
This therapy uses technology to provide mental health services from a distance.
For a brief and complimentary telephone consultation, please call 678-682-4950