Everyone feels sad or down sometimes but these feelings are usually short-lived and pass after a few days. Depression, on the other hand, interferes with daily life and causes pain for the individual as well as those close to them. Depression can take on different forms, including major depressive disorder, postpartum depression, bipolar disorder, and seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
Signs and symptoms of depression:
- Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" feelings
- Loss of interest in activities the person previously enjoyed
- Feelings of hopelessness and/or helplessness
- Feelings of guilt and/or worthlessness
- Decreased energy
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering details, and/or making decisions
- Lack of motivation
- Sleep disturbance (frequent waking, excessive sleeping, or difficulty falling asleep)
- Irritable
- Thoughts of suicide or suicide attempts
Psychotherapy has been proven highly effective in treating depression. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), for example, is one form of psychotherapy that has been very beneficial in helping people with depression restructure their negative thought patterns and interpret their environment and interactions with others in more positive, realistic ways. Your clinician will work with you to find a treatment approach best suited to your individual symptoms, personality, and current environment.
