What depression symptoms might I experience?
Feeling down or having the blues is such a common experience that many people have difficulty validating their struggle and hope it will eventually just go away. But depression isn’t just a bad mood that can be solved by thinking positively, or exercising, or getting some fresh air, as many on-lookers may urge you to do. Depression is a complex, multi-layered condition, and it seldom goes away without professional help.
When depression disrupts daily life and symptoms last longer than two weeks, it’s time to consider calling Full Living.
Symptoms of depression include:
- Loss of interest in daily activities
- Needing more or less sleep than usual
- Difficulty thinking or making decisions
- Daily fatigue
- Feelings of worthlessness
- Sudden weight loss or weight gain
- Thoughts of suicide
It’s also common to experience physical aches and pains such as headaches, digestive problems, and generalized pain. All of this equates to a lot of suffering.
What causes depression?
Depression is a complex condition that doesn’t have just one cause. In some cases, it includes a genetic predisposition triggered by environmental circumstances. Sometimes, it begins as a reaction to a life situation, but then seems to take on a life of its own. Biochemical changes in the brain, including problems with neurotransmitters that regulate mood, frequently play a significant role.
Many life circumstances can result in an entrenched depression, including relationship issues, loss of a job, family conflict, and unresolved loss and trauma. Being diagnosed with a serious medical condition and alcohol and drug abuse also raises the risk of depression.
How is depression treated?
Psychotherapy is the primary treatment for depression. Medication can also play an important role for many sufferers, temporarily or sometimes long term, but only after an effort to explore the meaning and possible resolution through therapy.
Considering the vital role of psychotherapy, there are other important variables to consider: How do you find a skilled, educated, experienced and talented psychotherapist? Will you and your therapist be a good match? Many clients are left to blindly choose a therapist or practice and hope they end up with a therapist they like and trust. You won’t have to worry about that at Full Living because they take a different approach.
How do I find a therapist who’s a good match?
Full Living is a group of therapists who were all carefully chosen by Full Living’s director, Karen L. Smith, MSS, LCSW. She prioritized therapists with significant experience in the field, and was careful to build a group of clinicians varied in education and training, personal and professional backgrounds, cultural, ethinic, racial and religious identities, gender and orientation variations, and approach and style. Full Living’s clinicians are diverse, and prioritize approaching their work with cultural competency.
The director meets with every prospective client personally, talking with you and getting to know you and your wishes regarding therapy. She then connects you with the clinician who best matches your needs, personality, and style. Her passion is making sure that you’re comfortable with your clinician so you can reap the full benefits of your therapy.
If you need help with your depression, email or call Full Living: A Psychotherapy Practice.
If you would like to read more about issues related to this topic, please check out some of these blog posts.
Feeling Depressed Isn't Depression
Anthony Bourdain & Why I Talk to my 10 Year Old About Depression
5 Reasons Suffering People Don't Want to Try Medication
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