What is depression disorder? If you’re asking this question, chances are that you or a loved one is struggling with symptoms of depression. Depression-related mental health disorders impact millions of Americans annually. In fact, untreated depression can lead to symptoms that prevent you from working or going to school. Depression can also increase your risk of early death. Overall, suicide causes more than four times as many deaths as homicide every year, demonstrating that leaving depression untreated has lethal consequences. It’s a good thing that professional help is available, and you don’t need to manage depression alone.
Springfield Wellness Center in Springfield, LA, provides depression disorder treatment. At Springfield Wellness Center, we understand how much pain depression can cause. We also know that seeking treatment for depression is a difficult decision to make. But what’s important to remember is that you don’t have to suffer from depression forever. Call 844.334.4727 to get started on improving your mental health today.
What Is Depression Disorder?
Depression is a mental health disorder that can cause intense sadness that lasts for prolonged periods. Depression disorder can cause:
- Suicidal thoughts and ideation
- Isolation
- Low self-esteem
- Self-harming behavior
- Anger and anxiety
- Insomnia and poor sleep
Sometimes, depression can lead to intense thoughts of suicide, which requires immediate treatment.
Symptoms of Depression
When you struggle with depression, you can lose interest in activities and hobbies you previously enjoyed, worsening your symptoms. Another common symptom of depression is isolating yourself from others and neglecting your hygiene. Sometimes, depression symptoms can become severe and cause you to stay home from school or work. Although everyone experiences sadness, when you have depression, these periods of sadness are more intense and last longer.
Types of Depression Disorders
Depression can develop spontaneously or occur after a significant life event, such as the death of a loved one. If you’re still asking, “What is depression disorder?” you may benefit from getting assessed and diagnosed. You may be struggling with a specific depression disorder, such as:
- Bipolar disorder – Bipolar disorder is a type of depression that alternates between periods of mania and depression.
- Major depressive disorder (MDD) – This is the most common type of depression. People with major depressive disorder experience symptoms for at least two weeks.
- Persistent depressive disorder – This form of depression lasts for at least two years. People struggling with persistent depressive disorder may have episodes of major depression, but they also experience less severe symptoms between these episodes.
- Postpartum depression – Postpartum depression is a form of depression that can occur after giving birth.
- Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) – This is a form of depression typically occurs during the winter months when there is less sunlight.
If you’re struggling with any type of depression disorder, it’s vital to acknowledge that you cannot pull yourself out of a rut alone and to get professional help. Depression treatment can help you manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life.
How Is Depression Treated?
Depression is curable with early treatment. Depression disorders are typically treated with a combination of evidence-based and holistic approaches, such as:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) – CBT is a type of psychotherapy that helps you manage your thoughts and emotions.
- Interpersonal therapy (IPT) – IPT is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on your relationships with others.
- Lifestyle changes – Some lifestyle changes, such as getting regular exercise and eating a healthy diet, can help improve your symptoms.
- Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) – Your doctor may prescribe medication to help stabilize your mood. Anti-depressant medications can increase pleasurable neurotransmitters like serotonin. Many times, depression is related to a lack of serotonin. This makes medications like Prozac and Zoloft highly effective in alleviating and reducing your symptoms.
One significant benefit of MAT is that short-term use of medications can limit your symptoms and prevent future depressive episodes. However, medications can take some time to work, meaning that participating in other forms of treatment, like counseling and therapy, is essential. Therapy can help improve your ability to identify and change negative thinking patterns, making it easier to cope with your symptoms.
Treatment for depression usually takes place in an outpatient setting. However, severe symptoms—such as suicidal behavior—may require inpatient treatment. Developing proper coping skills to deal with negative emotions, like stress and anger, is also a central part of treatment. Depression can isolate you from others. But treatment can help improve your communication skills and help you build a strong support network.
Find Depression Treatment in Louisiana at Springfield Wellness Center
If you or someone you care about is struggling with a depression disorder, call Springfield Wellness Center at 844.334.4727. Depression can become increasingly more severe when left untreated. Thus, reaching out for help is the first step in your recovery journey. Contact Springfield Wellness Center today and ask someone from our knowledgeable staff about depression disorders and treatment options.