Depression

Signs and Symptoms of Depression and Depression Related Disorders:

  • Fatigue

  • Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and helplessness

  • Pessimism and hopelessness

  • Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or sleeping too much

  • Crankiness or irritability, Anger Outbursts

  • Restlessness, small task can fell overwhelming or require a lot of energy

  • Trouble concentrating, remembering details, and making decisions

  • Loss of interest or pleasure in things you used to enjoy

  • Overeating and/or weight gain; or appetite loss and/or weight loss without trying

  • Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" feelings

  • Slowed thinking, speech, or movement

  • Suicidal thoughts or suicide attempts

  • Physical Pains or Gastrointestinal Issues (GI) that don't get better, even with treatment



Some Types of Depression:

  • Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood - Depressive symptoms that begin three months after an identifiable stressor, which impact function and coping.

  • Seasonal Affective Disorder - The onset of depression symptoms typically occur in the winter. Individuals may experience social withdraw, increased sleep, and weight gain. Symptoms typically improve in the spring/summer and can return annually.

  • Major Depressive Disorder - Depressive symptoms last for a least two weeks at a time. And individual experiences at least 5 depression symptoms, one of which is depressed mood.

  • Persistent Depressive Disorder - Depressive symptoms last for a period of two years

  • Postpartum Depression - Depression symptoms during pregnancy or after deliver, lasting more than 2 weeks postpartum. Depression symptoms of exhaustion, extreme sadness, and anxiety can impact a new mom's ability to complete daily activities for themselves and their children.



Treatment Strategies:

  • Cognitive Therapy - Identification and challenging of thought patterns that impact mood.

  • Behavior Therapy - Implementation of daily, weekly, and monthly goals to support prosocial behavior patterns and growth toward short and long term goals.

  • Transform boundaries - Supporting the individual to identify and address interpersonal relationships that impact functioning and coping.



Treatment Screening Tools:

  • DASS 21

  • PHQ9

  • PCL-C



Additional Treatment Options:

  • Group Therapy - A treatment model where a qualified provider supports individuals experiencing similar presenting concerns to explore their circumstances and provide support.

  • Medication Management - A method of treatment administered by a licensed provider, which can help to reduce symptoms. Therapy is recommended for individuals utilizing medication for a mental health disorder