Depression Support Arlington & Tyson's Corner
Depression
“The only impossible journey is the one you never begin.”
― Tony Robbins
Do you wonder if you suffer from depression?
Depression, also called Major Depressive Disorder or Clinical Depression, is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and an overall loss of interest in the things that used to bring joy. Depression affects how you feel, think, and behave. It can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems and it may interfere with an individual’s ability to participate in daily activities. In severe cases of depression, people may experience suicidal ideations and feel as if life isn’t worth living.
Depression is more than just “a bout of the blues”, it is not a weakness and is not something that someone can “snap out” of. Major Depression can be a serious condition, but it is treatable and most people see positive results from treatment.
Symptoms
Although depression may occur only one time during your life, typically people have multiple episodes of depression. During these episodes, symptoms occur most of the day, nearly every day and include:
Symptoms of depression:
Although depression may occur only one time during your life, typically people have multiple episodes of depression. During these episodes, symptoms occur most of the day, nearly every day and include:
- Feelings of sadness, tearfulness, emptiness or hopelessness
- Angry outbursts, irritability or frustration (even over minor things)
- Loss of interest or pleasure in most or all normal activities, such as sex, hobbies or sports
- Sleep disturbances, including insomnia or sleeping too much
- Tiredness and lack of energy, so even small tasks take extra effort
- Changes in appetite — often reduced appetite and weight loss, but increased cravings for food and weight gain in some people
- Anxiety, agitation or restlessness
- Slowed thinking, speaking or body movements
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt, fixating on past failures or blaming yourself for things that aren’t your responsibility
- Trouble thinking, concentrating, difficulty making decisions and remembering things
- Frequent or recurrent thoughts of death, suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts or suicide
- Unexplained physical problems, such as back pain, digestive issues or headaches
Depression symptoms usually cause noticeable differences in an individual’s ability to participate fully in daily activities. Resultingly it has a significant impact on one’s ability to function optimally at work, school, and in their relationships with others.
Types of depression:
Major Depression, includes symptoms of depression most of the time for at least 2 weeks that typically interfere with one’s ability to work, sleep, study, and eat.
Persistent Depressive Disorder, (also called dysthymia), often includes less severe symptoms of depression that last much longer, typically for at least 2 years.
Perinatal or Postpartum Depression, occurs when a woman experiences major depression during pregnancy or after delivery (postpartum depression).
Seasonal Affective Disorder, comes and goes with the seasons, typically starting in late fall and early winter and going away during spring and summer.
Depression with Psychosis, is a severe form of depression where a person experiences delusions (disturbing, false fixed beliefs) and/or hallucinations (hearing or seeing things that others do not see or hear).
Treatment for depression:
MPS PLLC clinicians specialize in the psychotherapy treatment of depression. Effective psychotherapy treatments for depression include:
Ready to treat your depression?
Beginning treatment for depression requires strength and courage. Therapy is a journey that can help you achieve a more fulfilling and meaningful life. We are here to guide you along the way. To learn more, contact us today.