Depression can manifest itself in many different ways but is often characterized by general feelings of sadness and/or losing interest in once-pleasurable activities.
Symptoms of depression can include, but are not limited to:
- Feelings of sadness/dampened mood;
- Changes in appetite and sleep patterns (either more or less than is usual);
- No longer interested in activities that were habitually engaged in/derived pleasure from;
- Feelings of unworthiness/guilt;
- Trouble thinking, concentrating, and other aspects of executive function;
- Suicidal thoughts;
- And more
How Is Depression Different from Sadness or Grief/Bereavement?
- When experiencing grief, individuals can have waves of depressed mood/disengagement, but these instances often oscillate with feelings of positive remembrance of the deceased. In depression, mood persists in a dampened state for 2+ weeks.
- In grief, thoughts of death may occur when thinking about "joining" the deceased individual. In major depression, the reason for potential suicidal ideation is due to the feeling that the weight of the depression is unbearable.
How can Depression be Treated?
As with many mental disorders, depression can be treated with a wide range of behavioral techniques/therapies, as well as medication.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, is a common technique used for clients with depression. This therapeutic technique attempts to identify where a client is engaging in negative/distorted thinking patterns and reframing those thoughts, with the ultimate goal of changing thoughts and behaviors to respond to challenges more positively.
Here at Madrigal, we are committed to addressing depression-presenting symptoms in a holistic manner.
*This information was adapted from psychiatry.org. Click this link to learn more.*