Depression

What is Depression?

Sadness is a natural human response, often triggered by loss or situations that hold significant emotional value but do not unfold as expected. During difficult times, sadness helps communicate our need for support. While sadness is a shared emotional experience, it can become concerning when it persists over time and is accompanied by other distressing emotions. This prolonged emotional state may signal the presence of depression.

Depression is more than just feeling down; it is a serious mental health condition that can affect anyone, influencing a person’s emotions, physical health, thoughts, and behaviors. Depressive symptoms can manifest in various forms, including conditions such as postpartum depression.

 

Symptoms of Depression

Common signs of depression may include:

• Persistent feelings of sadness and low mood
• A sense of emptiness or hopelessness
• Loss of interest in once enjoyable activities
• Low self-esteem and feelings of worthlessness
• Overwhelming guilt
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Disrupted sleep patterns (either excessive sleep or insomnia)
• Changes in appetite (either overeating or loss of appetite)
• Fatigue
• Heightened feelings of anxiety
• Suicidal thoughts

 

Severity of Depression

Depression manifests differently for everyone, with symptoms varying in type, intensity, frequency, and duration. The severity of depression is determined by how significantly these symptoms impact a person’s ability to function in daily life. Depression is generally categorized into three levels of severity: mild, moderate, and severe.

 

Psychotherapy for Depression

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) are evidence-based approaches that have been proven effective in the treatment of depression.

For more information and research supporting these therapies, refer to the following resources:

• Cognitive Therapy for Depression | Society of Clinical Psychology
• Behavioral Activation for Depression | Society of Clinical Psychology
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Depression | Society of Clinical Psychology

In some instances, the treatment of depression may involve a combination of psychotherapy and medication-psychiatric monitoring.

In our therapy sessions, we will take a comprehensive approach to understanding the specific symptoms and concerns you are experiencing. This process will help uncover the underlying factors contributing to your depression. Through collaboration, we will then develop a personalized and effective treatment plan tailored to your unique needs and goals. For more information on my therapeutic approach, please refer to the relevant section.