MAJOR DEPRESSION DISORDER

What is Depression Disorder? It is A complex brain-based illness within primary care characteristic of a persistent disturbance in mood. An excessive or distorted degree of sadness that manifests itself with behavioral, affective, cognitive, and somatic symptoms. In fact, depression is one of the leading causes of disability in the U.S., as 7.2% of Americans 17.7 million people experience major depressive disorder, each year.

Genetics

Physical, emotional, or sexual abuse (past or present)

Death of a loved one

Divorce or separation

Relationship problems at home, work, or school

Traumatic life events like car accidents or violence

Loss of job and financial stressors

Social isolation

Life transitions with children growing or moving out of the home

What are the symptoms of major depression? When a patient has depression, his or her emotions, thought patterns, and behavior are all affected. 

Symptoms include but are not limited to: 

Angry Outbursts, 

trouble making decisions memory, and 

Concentration issues, 

Sadness and hopelessness, 

Weight gain or loss

Changes in sleep habits

Tiredness or lack of energy, no appetite, sexual problems, substance abuse, thoughts of or attempts to harm self, harm self. 

When do I need help with depression?

The DSM-5 outlines the following criterion to make a diagnosis of depression. The individual must be experiencing five or more symptoms during the same two-week period and at least one of the symptoms should be either (1) depressed mood or (2) loss of interest or pleasure.

During therapy sessions, the provider will help patients find relief from symptoms that will enable them to return to normal day-to-day activity. Patients may also benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), where they learn to recognize potential triggers and adjust their behaviors to healthier choices. Also, medication can be an effective intervention for treating the symptoms of depression. Not all antidepressants, however, work the same way. The antidepressant the provider will prescribe you often depends on your symptoms of depression, potential side effects, and other factors. Another aspect is to increase physical activity, and reduce stress, that will help to improve sleeping and eating patterns. If you’re ready to schedule an appointment at Lifeway Mental Health, call to book a consultation online today.