Depression
Depression is a common and serious mood disorder that affects about 7% of adults in the US. Every experience of depression is unique. You are not alone.
Depression is a real medical condition. It hurts. Depression is not sadness, where sadness usually passes with time depression lingers. Depression affects how you think and feel. You can’t just snap out of depression. Fortunately, depression is treatable. Studies report that between 80% and 90% of patients with depression respond well to treatment including gaining some relief from symptoms.
Depression is the primary cause of disability worldwide leading to the inability to perform the daily functions of life. It negatively affects how you think, feel and act. Depression causes sadness and loss of interest in once enjoyable activities, as well as physical problems.
You are not a list of symptoms in a manual. Although the diagnostic manual describes specific criteria for the diagnosis of depression, everyone experiences these symptoms in their own unique way.
People with low-functioning depression report symptoms such as withdrawal from friends and family or favorite activities, crying, hopelessness and difficulty sleeping. People with high functioning depression may appear as if they are fine, but inside they feel intense sadness, irritability, foggy thinking and disconnection. Because of the stigma of depression, people try to hide their sadness and suffer alone.
Sometimes the symptoms are obvious to those close to the depressed and sometimes the depressed person can hide their pain. In many cases depression will impact the family, friends and loved ones, or affect performance in school and at work.
What are the symptoms of Depression?
Depression symptoms vary in severity and may include:
- Feeling sad or depressed
- Loss of interest in pleasurable activities
- Weight loss or gain
- Difficulty sleeping or sleep too much
- Fatigue and loss of energy
- restlessness, difficulty sitting still, slowed speech or movements
- feeling worthless or guilty
- difficulty concentrating, making decision
- thoughts of suicide or death
Your consultation
Before beginning treatment one of our clinical psychologists will conduct a complimentary initial consultation with you. The goal of the initial consultation is to get a better understanding of you, your history with what brings you to therapy, and what your needs are in therapy. We feel the fit between client and psychologist is extremely important, and the consultation is a great start for you to get a feel for Healthymynds and if we are a fit for your needs. Our goal is to work with you in a safe and supportive environment where you can explore your thoughts and feelings and work toward flourishing.
The important thing to remember is that you don’t have to deal with your depression alone. When you are looking to address depression contact Healthy mynds in Redondo Beach to schedule a complimentary consultation to learn more about us and our treatment options.
