It’s not unusual to feel down at times. Everyone goes through their blue period. You may call it being “down in the dumps.” Some may describe themselves as “depressed.” Again, this is all normal and inevitable. What is essential to remember is there’s a world of difference between feeling depressed and having a depressive disorder.
The first one might be soothed with a funny movie. The second one is a diagnosable mental health condition. A depressive disorder requires treatment from a trained professional. This makes it quite important that you learn to recognize what it is and how to get help.
What is a Major Depressive Disorder?
A major depressive disorder (MDD) causes profound feelings of sadness. These feelings are chronic and occur over extended periods of time. This condition is also sometimes called clinical depression. MDDs are common — impacting roughly eight percent of American adults each year. There are several different variations of depression, e.g.
Persistent Depressive Disorder
Bipolar Disorder
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
Situational Depression
Psychotic Depression
Postpartum Depression
Possible Causes
While an exact cause has yet to be identified, we do know about some of what may increase your risk. For example, genetic factors and chronic stress may alter brain chemistry and hormone balance. This reduces your ability to sustain a stable mood. A combination of genetic factors and chronic stress only increases this effect. Other risk factors include:
Physical conditions, e.g. hypothyroidism and cancer
Substance abuse
Childhood abuse
Certain medications
Common Symptoms
Here is a list of symptoms to consider:
Losing interest in activities you once enjoyed
Sadness: virtually all day, every day
Extreme fatigue
Sleep disturbances
Sudden weight loss or gain
Appetite changes
Restlessness
Inability to concentrate or focus
Self-isolation
A blend of hopelessness, guilt, and shame
Thoughts of self-harm, death, dying, and suicide
If you experience at least five or them over the period of two weeks, it’s highly suggested you speak to a medical professional.
How Reaching Out for Therapy Can Help With Your Depression
Whether it’s about shame or a lack of awareness, some people do not seek treatment. However, anywhere from 80 to 90 percent of people with MDD will respond to treatment. This almost always includes therapy (often in combination with medication). Here are just some of the benefits of reaching out for therapy when you have MDD:
Reducing Day-to-Day Stress
Your therapist will guide you through the daily stressors of life with depression. You’ll learn new skills and develop new approaches for dealing with stress. Working with a therapist also positions you to catch and address any new symptoms more quickly.
Medication-Related Benefits
Medication can only work if it is used properly. Your therapy sessions can help serve as a reminder of sorts to stay consistent with your treatment. Inevitably, your medications will have some side effects. Therapy is the ideal place to talk about this and make any adjustments if necessary.
Feeling Relief
A hallmark of MDD is overwhelming sadness and hopelessness. Therapy offers you new ways to see your current situation. You can develop a more hopeful language for discussing your condition. Every problem can feel more manageable if you’re able to shift to a new perspective.
When and How to Reach Out
Perhaps, as you read this post, you related to some of the signs and symptoms of MDD. You may have also felt some relief when learning about the benefits of depression therapy. If so, the best time to start is now. Depression requires much more than self-help. I’d love to guide you on the path of recovery. Let’s connect for a confidential consultation.