Depression is a real, but often misunderstood, condition that can be treated with both medications and/or therapy.

Not everyone who is depressed experiences every symptom. Some people experience a few symptoms, some many. The severity of symptoms varies with individuals and also varies over time. Depression frequently has a context to be taken into consideration – for example, the loss of a relationship, the death of a spouse, poverty, a downward economy and/or political unrest can contribute to hopeless, sad or depressed mood, and would be considered an appropriate response. This would be considered “situational depression” and is or may be quite different from depression that has an origin in physiology. Having said this, the top 10 signs are:

1. Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood
2. Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism
3. Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
4. Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities that were once enjoyed, including sex
5. Decreased energy, fatigue, or feeling “slowed down”
6. Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
7. Insomnia, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping
8. Appetite and/or weight loss or overeating and weight gain
9. Thoughts of death or suicide or actual suicide attempts
10. Restlessness or irritability

Some people may also experience certain persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such as headaches, digestive disorders, and chronic pain.

A person who suffers from a major depressive disorder (sometimes also referred to as clinical depression or major depression) must either have a depressed mood or a loss of interest or pleasure in daily activities consistently for at least a 2 week period. This mood must represent a change from the person’s normal mood.

Men frequently manifest their depressive symptoms with significantly increased irritability.

How is Depression Treated?

Most clinicians practicing today believe that depression is caused by an equal combination of biological (including genetics), social, and psychological factors. A treatment approach that focuses exclusively on one of these factors is not likely to be as beneficial as a treatment approach that addresses both psychological and biological aspects (through, for example, psychotherapy and medication). Depression remains a complicated, complex disorder and researchers are only beginning to fully grasp the multitude of factors — personal, genetic, biological, societal, and environmental — that are involved. Any explanation or approach which emphasizes only one factor as the cause of depression is misleading and simplistic. Individuals should avoid accepting a simplistic answer to such a devastating and complex disorder.

Treatment for depression usually relies on a combination of psychotherapy and medication for the quickest, strongest effects. Treatment is usually begun immediately after the initial clinical interview with a mental health professional. Your West Coast Wellness therapist will work with you and your doctor with your consent to provide the most meaningful treatment for your depression.

Depression treatment takes time and patience is needed. If taking antidepressant medications, they will usually be felt within 6 to 8 weeks of taking them. Not everyone feels better on the first medication tried. You may have to try 2 or 3 different medications before finding the one that works for you. Anti-depressant medications are considered to be both safe and effective. They include medications such as Zoloft and Prozac, which increase the level of serotonin in the brain and elevate mood. People may be resistant to taking anti-depressant medication, which may be unfortunate, as they can be extremely effective used in the short-term with regular therapy sessions. Talk with your doctor and therapist about medications used for treating depression. Most talk-therapy treatment for depression takes 6 to 12 months, going once per week for 55 minutes at a time. Some people also find that groups for those living with depression or episodes of depression are a vital support and become a component of their lives for a short or longer period of time.

The most important thing to note is that there is support, assistance and hope for those people living with depression.