Depression Treatment on the Main Line
Everyone occasionally feels blue or sad, but these feelings are usually short-lived and pass within a couple of days. When you have depression, however, it interferes with daily life and causes pain for both you and those who care about you.
Causes
Depressive illnesses are disorders of the brain caused by a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors. Trauma, loss of a loved one, a difficult relationship, or any very stressful situation may trigger a depressive episode. But other depressive episodes may occur without an obvious trigger.
Signs & Symptoms
People with depressive illnesses do not all experience the same symptoms. The severity, frequency, and duration of symptoms vary depending on the individual.
Signs and symptoms can include:
- Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" feelings
- Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
- Irritability, restlessness
- Loss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable, including sex
- Fatigue and decreased energy
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering details, and making decisions
- Insomnia, early morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping
- Overeating, or appetite loss
- Thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts
- Aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that do not ease even with treatment.
Therapy for Depression Treatment
A therapist can help you identify and change the thoughts (i.e., life stinks), behaviors (i.e., sitting home every night) and circumstances (i.e., a troubling relationship) that can perpetuate depression. If medication appears appropriate, a referral to a psychiatrist can be made.
