What Is Depression?
Sadness is a part of life and an entirely normal human emotion. We all experience those down feelings from time to time, and they normally go away in a few days. Depression, however, is something that’s far more serious. Depression is a mood disorder that is characterized by persistent overwhelming sadness and a loss of interest in things you once enjoyed.
Depression can negatively impact how you feel, how you think, and even how you act. This mood disorder can typically be classified into six types: major depressive disorder, persistent depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, seasonal depression, postpartum depression, and psychotic depression.
Signs You Should Get Help for Depression
Depression symptoms can vary greatly depending on the type you are experiencing. They can also range from mild to severe. However, if you're experiencing the following symptoms more days than not, it's a sign you should seek treatment.
- Sadness or loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed
- Changes in appetite — which may lead to unintended weight loss or weight gain
- Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
- Ongoing fatigue and loss of energy
- Difficulty focusing, thinking, or making decisions
- Thoughts of death or suicide
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255.
What Treatment Options Are Available for Depression?
There are many effective treatment options available for people with depression. Typically, depression is treated with:
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, involves meeting with a psychotherapist who is trained in helping people manage mental illnesses. Talk therapy can help teach you coping skills, relationship-building skills, conflict resolution skills, and behavioral changes that will help you manage your depression and change your ways of thinking.
Counseling can also help you explore possible unhealed or unconscious emotional wounds and make sense of how past experiences are impacting your present day-to-day life.
Medication
Medication is another effective treatment option for people with depression. Typically, medication works best when combined with talk therapy. There are a number of antidepressant options available. Your psychiatrist or other licensed prescriber trained in mental health (e.g., nurse practitioner) will be able to identify which medicine or combination of them may be most beneficial for you.
Lifestyle Changes
Lifestyle changes are often necessary to successfully manage your depression. Exercise, adequate sleep, a balanced diet, and staying connected to family and friends can all help improve symptoms associated with depression.
Where to Find Effective Depression Treatment in Chicago
If you are struggling to manage your depression, reach out to us at Wellington Counseling Group. We offer diagnostic testing and depression treatment in Chicago to both children and adults.
Schedule a session now to get started.