Depression
What is Depression?
Depression is a mood disorder that impacts approximately 280 million people worldwide. Although depression is a common condition, it shouldn’t be confused with feeling sad or down. Often, people state that they’re depressed due to situations like losing a loved one, going through a divorce, or getting fired. While it’s normal to feel sadness in each of the cases mentioned above, it may not actually be depression. Clinical depression is a condition where one feels persistent sadness and loss of interest to a point where it interferes with their daily activities. If this is something you’re experiencing, it might be worth it to consider therapy in San Diego.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Depression?
Not everyone with this disorder will experience the same signs and symptoms, but if you feel any of the symptoms mentioned below every day for 14 days, you may have depression. Some of the signs and symptoms to look for include:
Having a lack of energy
Feeling unworthy, hopeless, or pessimistic
Trouble sleeping or restlessness
Sleeping often
Having little interest in any activities
Gaining or losing weight
Having difficulty making decisions
Suicidal thoughts
Little to no appetite
Persistent digestive issues
Feelings of emptiness
Aches and pains in various areas of the body
Clinical depression can bring about both physical and emotional symptoms, which are a result of the changes to serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain.
What Causes Depression?
Researchers are still evaluating why depression happens, but it’s typically a result of one's biology or the events they’ve experienced in their life. Some common causes of depression include:
Family history: If someone in your family has depression, you have a greater risk of developing it.
Hormone levels: Hormones, like estrogen, can raise your risk of depression.
Medical conditions: Certain conditions, such as cancer, stroke, or arthritis, may alter a person's life and increase the likelihood that they develop depression.
Substance use: Individuals who consume drugs or alcohol increase their risk of depression.
Childhood trauma: Experiencing neglect, violence, or poverty may make you more vulnerable to depression.
Brain chemistry or brain structure: Chemical balances in the brain or less activity in the frontal lobe of your brain could cause depression.
What Can You Do About Depression?
Depression isn’t something you just have to deal with every day by yourself. If you believe you might be clinically depressed, the first step is getting confirmation that depression is what you’re truly experiencing. A medical doctor and a licensed therapist can perform a variety of lab tests and psychiatric evaluations to determine if depression is the proper diagnosis. Once you’ve been diagnosed, you can begin getting treatment, which might include a mix of psychotherapy and/or medication. Studies completed over time have found therapy to be an effective treatment plan for those with depression, and it’s possible to notice significant improvement after ten sessions. Therefore, it’s worth trying therapy in San Diego to see what techniques and strategies are available for you.
In addition to therapy, there are also other things you can do to cope with depression. Try working out and spending time with people you trust. Practice healthy habits like avoiding alcohol or drugs and eating a healthy, nutritious diet. Consider different supplements and vitamins like Omega-3 fatty acids or vitamin D. Acupuncture and meditation are said to be extremely beneficial too for those navigating clinical depression.
Contact Perlman Wellness Today For Therapy in San Diego
If you think you’re experiencing depression or if you have a confirmed diagnosis already, consider getting therapy in San Diego. At Perlman Wellness, we have a team of licensed therapists who have the skill set and qualifications to help you cope with depression. So schedule an appointment today to learn how we can help you.