Depression & Mood Disorders

Depression can affect how we think, feel and behave, which can cause emotional and physical problems

Depression doesn’t define you and finding relief from depression and mood changes is possible. 

It’s completely healthy and common to experience changes in your mood and temperament from time-to-time. You may feel sad, hopeless and down in reaction to a difficult life event, the state of the world, and/or go through a period of time where things feel off and challenging. However, when these feelings and mood changes become intense, persistent, and/or frequent, they can impact ones ability to function and interfere with daily activities. If this is something you are experiencing, we will help you identify the potential causes of your symptoms, and together will create a plan to help you cope more effectively and work towards healing.

 

Common signs and symptoms of depression:

  • Persistent sadness, apathy, or hopelessness

  • Low energy

  • Lack of pleasure or interest in your life

  • Irritability or restlessness

  • Difficulty concentrating

  • Social Isolation 

  • Loss of interest in pleasurable activities

  • Changes in sleeping or eating habits

  • Thoughts of suicide or death

  • Thoughts of hurting yourself or self-injurious behaviors 

  • Agitation and mood shifts

Several diagnoses fall under the umbrella of depression and mood disorders.

Here are some of the types that we treat:

  • This is the most common form of depression. Those struggling with major depression experience several of the above symptoms most days, to a degree that clearly affects their day-to-day lives. These symptoms persist for at least two weeks and are generally not related to specific life stressors (loss of a job, death of a loved one, etc.)

  • This form of depression includes milder versions of the same symptoms described in Major Depressive Disorder. These symptoms are still present most of the time, but they are less severe and those struggling with chronic depression may be able to hide these symptoms from most people in their lives.

  • Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is characterized by the onset of a depressive illness during the winter months, when there is less natural sunlight. The depression generally lifts during spring and summer. SAD may be effectively treated with light therapy, but nearly half will need additional types of therapy.

  • Bipolar Disorder is characterized by dramatic mood swings from overly “high” and/or irritable to sad and hopeless, and then back again, often with periods of normal mood in between. Severe changes in energy and behavior go along with these changes in mood.

  • Also known as PMDD, this form of depression is an extension of PMS. Its occurrence is linked to a woman’s menstrual cycle and usually involves the onset of depressive symptoms about seven to 10 days before the start of a menstrual period. 

  • Meeting some, but not all, criteria for a depression diagnosis.

Ready to start learning how to manage your depressive symptoms?

Schedule an appointment to meet with one of our therapists. Let’s work together to help you navigate your mood so you can be more connected to yourself, others, and the life you want to live. 

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