Some people describe depression as a condition where your mind lies to you: sending you cruel messages that you are worthless, undeserving of love, and without hope.

 

If you identify with those messages, know that there is nothing wrong with you. Depression is an incredibly common experience, affecting roughly 1 in 10 people during their lifetime.

 

Depression can be a debilitating condition to cope with, as it infiltrates and impacts many different areas of your life and personal well-being. Although the term “depressed” has connotations of sadness or feeling down, there are many more depression symptoms and signs of depression that may surprise you.

 

Fortunately, depression and other mood disorders are very treatable through several different evidence-based therapies and other treatments. Depression treatment is available through many mental health providers and other specialists.

 

If you’re experiencing depression symptoms that are negatively impacting your life, know that you’re not alone and there is help available to you. There is no shame in asking for help when you need it. When you’re ready to reach out, we’re here for you.

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What Are Depression Symptoms?

 

Depression symptoms can range from the obvious to those that are much harder to notice. Here are some signs of depression to look out for in yourself and others:

 

• Feelings of sadness

• Irritability or being excessively critical

• Loss of interest in things you used to enjoy

• Withdrawing from others

• Excessing crying or mood swings

• Decreased concentration

• Changes in sleep (insomnia or excessive sleeping)

• Changes in appetite and/or weight (gain or loss)

• Having no energy

• Increased drug and alcohol usage

• Thoughts of suicide

 

​It’s not uncommon for depression and anxiety to co-occur together, meaning that one person might experience both at the same time. Experts estimate that over 50% of people with depression also experience anxiety.

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If you believe that you may have both depression and anxiety, our specialists can work with you to identify the best anxiety and depression treatment plan. Contact us today to get started.

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Is Depression the same as Mood Disorder?

 

If you’ve read about depression, you may have heard the term “mood disorder” as well. But what exactly is a mood disorder?

 

A mood disorder is a type of mental health condition that negatively impacts a person's mood and functioning across multiple areas. The most common type of mood disorder is major depressive disorder:

 

Major Depressive Disorder: A person with major depression would have many of the depression symptoms above, with depression symptoms lasting for a period of 2 weeks or more. To meet the diagnostic criteria for major depression, the person must have either a depressed mood or loss of interest in doing things for most days within a 2 week period. 

 

Whether someone meets the diagnostic criteria for major depression or not, there are still many useful depression treatment options that are available, which we will outline in more detail below.

 

Besides major depressive disorder, other common mood disorders include:

 

Dysthymia: Dysthymia, which is also known as persistent depressive disorder, is a type of mood disorder that is similar to major depression, but more long-lasting and less severe. People with dysthymia typically experience a depressed mood for more days than not for at least 2 years. Symptoms may lessen over time, but without depression treatment, depression symptoms typically re-emerge within a few weeks or months. Fortunately, as with major depression, there are many depression treatment options available for people with dysthymia.

 

Bipolar disorder: Bipolar disorder is a type of mood disorder that involves fluctuations between periods of depression and periods of mania. During manic episodes, people with bipolar disorder are more likely to engage in risky or dangerous behaviors. To learn more about bipolar disorder and how our specialists can help treat it, read our guide here.

 

Mood disorders related to a health condition or substance use: Sometimes, a person might experience an episode of depression as a result of an underlying medical condition or substance use. If you believe that you may have depression that’s caused by an underlying illness or substance use, reach out to your doctor.

 

Getting Depression Treatment

 

One of the most challenging aspects of getting depression treatment is that depression symptoms make you feel hopeless and alone. Asking for help can be one of the most difficult and bravest things that a person with depression can do.

 

There are several evidence-based depression treatment therapies that researchers have confirmed can help reduce and manage depression symptoms.

 

Some of the best depression treatment therapies include:

 

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is a type of talk therapy that helps you consciously change your thinking patterns as a means to change your mood and behavior. CBT has been used to treat both depression and anxiety for many years, and has been proven to be an effective depression treatment. CBT can help you re-frame distorted thinking patterns, like negative self-talk or taking things too personally. CBT can also help you build new skills to cope with stress and life’s challenges. 

 

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT): DBT is another depression treatment that falls under the umbrella of talk therapy. DBT was originally developed to help treat people with borderline personality disorder, but has since been found to be a highly effective depression treatment as well. Much like CBT, DBT can help you change the way you think about yourself and others in ways that can improve your mood and reduce depression symptoms. DBT can also help you increase your ability to handle stressful situations and to navigate interpersonal situations with confidence.

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​How We Can Help

 

You don’t have to manage depression on your own. There is hope outside of the cloud that depression puts on your mind. 

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Our therapists have a vast wealth of experience using CBT and DBT to treat depression, and when necessary, we are comfortable working with you and your doctor to coordinate care if medication is something that may be also helpful.

 

We’re here to support you in managing depression. Contact us today to get started.