Depression might feel like an uncomfortable subject, and perhaps one that you’d rather not talk about. For some folks, it conjures up images of loneliness, dark times, and a feeling of hopelessness. As one of the country’s leading mental health providers, we definitely know that depression is serious. But we don’t believe that it’s something that should be closed off to discussion, especially for those who are suffering from it.
We think depression should be an open discussion—especially between individuals experiencing depression and mental health professionals who can help them manage it. Depression doesn’t always look or feel the same to everyone, though. So, if you’re not sure what’s bothering you, you might not recognize your feelings as signs of depression.
Here are some common physical, mental and emotional symptoms:
- Feeling distant from loved ones and friends
- Decreased work performance
- Feeling chronically fatigued
- Overeating or avoiding eating
- Lack of self-care (i.e. personal hygiene or a clean living environment)
- You’ve been abusing drugs and alcohol to cope with emotional pain
- A noted lack of interest in sex, hobbies, or relationships
We’re not saying that transitory feelings of sadness or hopelessness aren’t normal—they are. The issue with depression is that it doesn’t usually just go away. And if it does, it returns to bring with it the same negative feelings that can harm important areas of your life. That’s why seeing a mental health professional can be an incredibly rejuvenating experience; after all, who wouldn’t want to improve their mental health and emotional wellbeing? Put your personal growth and wellness first by considering mental health services at Thriveworks in Stockton, CA.
The Different Types and Symptoms of Depression
The method through which depression is treated by our mental health professionals depends on the way that this emotional disorder manifests itself in your life. It’s also essential to know that depression isn’t just a single disorder: It’s an umbrella term for many different forms that this condition can present itself as. As we said, there’s many, but the most common types of depression that our psychologists and psychiatrists treat are:
- Minor depression: As the name suggests, minor depression is related to major depression—it’s typically severe in its effect and duration. Still, those with this condition still will seem distant, withdrawn, or overwhelmed with sadness. Minor depression can be harder to detect.
- Bipolar Disorder: This mental health condition can alter someone’s emotions wildly, ranging from elation in one moment to overwhelming despair in the next. Those with bipolar disorder might find it hard to maintain close relationships or jobs due to their unpredictable mood swings.
- Major depressive disorder: This condition captures the popular perception of depression. Those with major depression experience emotional detachment and hopelessness. These factors usually take away from their work, relationships and hobbies.
- Postpartum depression: Postpartum depression is a mood disorder that arises after a woman gives birth. Women who undergo caesarian sections or experience a miscarriage are even more likely to experience this type of depression.
The wide variety of different depressive disorders only highlights that this condition isn’t about just feeling down all the time. For those with minor depression or bipolar disorder, it can become an exhausting roller coaster ride—for others, it might seem like things will just never improve, and that their situation is hopeless. The triggers for depression also vary, but typically life events can act as instigators for this mood disorder. Some common events or circumstances include:
- Breakups or divorce
- The effects of a chronic health condition
- Stress from work or relatives
- Divorce
- Financial issues
- The death of someone close
These are just some of the triggers that might cause depression. If your circumstances are different, don’t feel like you can’t connect with one of our psychologists or psychiatrists.
See a Thriveworks Psychiatrist for Your Depression
Certain individuals, such as those with more severe depression, may benefit from meeting with one of our psychiatrists. Psychiatrists can conduct therapy sessions as a psychologist can; the difference is that psychiatrists are also medical doctors who use their expertise to prescribe helpful medications that counteract the damaging effects of behavioral and mood disorders like depression.
If meeting with one of our psychiatrists sounds like it will be beneficial, we offer easy scheduling options for you, like:
- Online therapy: Meet with your provider virtually, and enjoy the freedom to do so from home or the office.
- Same-week appointments: Those who enroll can say goodbye to waiting in line for an appointment.
- A digital copy of “Leaving Depression Behind”: A valuable resource that aims to help people recover from and cope with anxiety.
Get Treatment for Depression with Thriveworks
Depression is an emotional disorder that takes many different forms. Those who are matched with a psychologist for treatment will partner with them to use talk therapy or behavioral therapy to help them manage and mitigate the effect of depression. Some of our clients meet with our psychiatrists, who use their unique skill set as both medical doctors and therapists to treat depression with prescription medication or therapeutic methods; sometimes both.
Regardless of the mental health professional you connect with, Thriveworks in Stockton, CA is dedicated to placing your mental health needs before anything else. We want to provide you with the resources and professional guidance you need to manage your depression better. Give our office a call today. Depression doesn’t need to be coped with alone.
