Is depression preventing you from getting the most out of life?
Do you know someone who needs counseling or therapy for depression? What are the signs and symptoms of depression?
There are several types of depression, and the signs and symptoms are different for each type. Depression is also a coping mechanism — due to stress, difficult or traumatic life circumstances, and some personality traits may contribute to depression. One way of coping is to “retreat” into a depressed state with feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. The following types of depression, signs and symptoms are descriptive and not necessarily formal diagnostic categories.
- Situational depression — This reactive type of depression occurs as a result of stressful, upsetting life circumstances.
- Chronic depression — Also known as Dysthymia (literally, a “bad state of mind”). This is a serious, long-lasting disorder, usually lasting at least 2 years. The symptoms are generally less severe or serious than Major Depression or Bipolar Disorder.
- Major Depression — Along with the depression experienced in Bipolar Disorder, this is usually the most serious form of depression. There may be relatively brief episodes of Major Depression, and the episodes may be recurrent (multiple episodes over time). There are generally more symptoms present in Major Depression — specifically, loss of interest in pleasure, along with either lethargy or agitation.
- Bipolar Depression — In this disorder, manic episodes (heightened mood and energy, decreased need for sleep, and other symptoms) may or may not occur. This type of depression is very similar to Major Depression, but usually does not respond well to anti-depressant medication — and that type of medication may even trigger a manic state. The symptoms may be even more severe than Major Depression, and may include irritability, mood swings, and disability in work and socially.
The signs and symptoms of depression are similar in each of these types of depression. They tend to be less severe in situational or chronic depression, and result in more disability in Major and Bipolar Depression.
- Depressed mood (sad, blue, or emotionally “numb”)
- Sleep disturbance (too much or too little)
- Low energy and fatigue
- Low self-esteem or worthlessness
- Problems concentrating; procrastination; difficulties making decisions
- Feeling hopeless or helpless
- Loss of interest or pleasure in usual activities
- Irritability; restlessness; agitation
- Unusual fluctuations in weight; loss of appetite
- Suicidal thoughts
There is good news about depression — people can and do get better.
Counseling and therapy for all types of depression have been proven to be very effective. In some cases, medication may be necessary and our psychiatrist is available for consultation, evaluation, and medication management. Often, counseling or psychotherapy is effective for treating depression without the need for medication. The counselors and therapists at our Center have many years of advanced training and experience in helping people overcome depression. Research studies show that the types of counseling and therapy for depression that we use at our Center are highly effective with depression.
- Supportive and Solution-Oriented Counseling
- Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (changing self-destructive thoughts and beliefs)
- Psychodynamic Therapy (explores behavioral patterns and motivations, including the role of childhood trauma)
- Interpersonal Therapy (focus on relationship patterns and dynamics, and how they may result in depression)
- Integrative Therapy (combines several of these approaches)
Now is the time to make an appointment to see a counselor or therapist for depression.
The treatment team at the Relationship Center of South Florida is usually available to see people within 24-48 hours. Depression can be controlled and defeated — the first step toward health, well-being, and even happiness is a phone call away. Contact us today to begin the process of regaining the life you’re meant to lead.