Depression is a type of mood disorder. Mood disorders are mental disorders characterized by persistent elevation or lowering of a person’s emotional state, or mood. It is estimated that one out of every 10 adults in the United States experience some form of depression at least once in their lifetime. It can be challenging to cope with these symptoms, and it isn’t typically something that you should attempt to deal with on your own.
Depression
Symptoms of Depression and Mood Disorders
- Feeling sad or “empty”
- Loss of interest in favorite activities
- Overeating, or not wanting to eat at all
- Not being able to sleep, or sleeping too much
- Feeling very tired
- Feeling hopeless, irritable, anxious, or guilty
- Prolonged sadness or unexplained crying spells
- Significant changes in appetite
- Irritability, anger, worry, agitation, anxiety
- Pessimism, indifference
- Loss of energy, persistent lethargy
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness
- Inability to concentrate, indecisiveness
- Inability to take pleasure in former interests, social withdrawal
- Unexplained aches and pains
- Recurring thoughts of death or suicide
Persons with depression who do not seek help suffer needlessly. Unexpressed feelings and concerns accompanied by a sense of isolation can worsen a depression. Getting quality treatment is crucial. If depression goes untreated, it can last for a long time and worsen other illnesses. Even people with severe depression benefit from treatment.
HOW WE CAN HELP?
Depression is highly treatable when an individual receives competent care. Our licensed psychologists and psychiatrists are highly trained mental health professionals with many years of experience.
Depression can be mild, moderate, or severe depending on the severity of the symptoms. Determining the severity relies heavily on the clinical judgment of the psychologist or psychiatrist that is treating the individual.
Our staff has many years of experience helping people like you.
USEFUL RESOURCES
National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-NAMI (1-800-950-6264), https://www.nami.org
Anxiety and Depression Association of America: 1-240-485-1001, http://www.adaa.org
National Institute of Mental Health: 1-866-615-6464, http://www.nimh.nih.gov
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Division of Mental Health, 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636), http://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth
American Psychological Association: 1-800-374-2721, http://www.apa.org
American Psychiatric Association: 1-703-907-7300, http://www.psychiatry.org