Depression commonly manifests physically, through stomach pains, headaches, disrupted or excessive sleep, and motor control difficulty. While the causes of depression are unknown, a predisposition for it runs in families and it can be triggered by trauma and adverse life circumstances. Depression is diagnosed more frequently in women and tends to display differently in women than in men.
People tend to suffer higher rates of depression after giving birth and in late fall. Depression and anxiety often exacerbate each other and people with depression commonly have difficulty concentrating on tasks and conversations. Some people abuse alcohol and drugs or overeat as a way of coping, causing them to develop other medical problems. Depressed people are also at increased risk for self-harm.
Depression is a mental illness which is characterized by prolonged emotional symptoms including:
- Apathy
- Sadness
- Guilt
- Exhaustion
- Irritability
Diagnosing depression involves a psychiatric evaluation and physical tests to determine whether a person’s symptoms are actually being caused by a different disorder. A person must have been experiencing symptoms for at least two weeks to be diagnosed with depression. Every case is unique and requires individual attention, but there are a number of effective complementary ways of treating depression, including:
- Talk therapy
- Medication
- Adopting a healthier lifestyle
Everyone feels low at some point in life, but if you have clinical depression, these feelings are constant. Depression is usually worst in the morning and may make it difficult to work, study, take care of yourself and enjoy your friends and favorite activities. At Lakeside Counseling Center in Bellevue, Washington, we can help you overcome these consuming feelings of panic.
Symptoms of Depression
- Fatigue or loss of energy
- Feelings of worthlessness
- Problems with focus and concentration; inability to make decisions
- Insomnia or excessive sleeping
- Lack of interest in things that are otherwise enjoyable
- Withdrawal from others and social activities
- Psychomotor agitation (pacing, hand wringing, rubbing, inability to sit still}
- Retardation (slowed or softened speech, slowed thinking, slowed movement)
- Weight loss or gain
- Thoughts of death or suicide
- Anger and irritability, may include violence
- Tearfulness
- Decreased libido
Triggers of Depression
- Grief because of a loss –this can be death of a loved one, loss of employment, loss of financial status, divorce, separation, etc.
- Social isolation and loneliness
- Life changes – moving, job change, graduation, retirement, birth of a child, children leaving the home, etc.
- Personal conflicts in relationships
- Physical, sexual, emotional abuse
- Particular medications have depression listed as a possible side effect
- Hormonal changes
- Alcohol and drugs
Depression is diagnosed based on symptoms, though there are medical disorders and medications that can contribute to depression. For example, women who have just given birth often experience postpartum depression which turns into clinical depression. High blood pressure medications, hormone-altering drugs and stimulants are examples of drugs that can cause depression.
If you’re ready to beat depression, make an appointment with a therapist at Lakeside Counseling Center in Bellevue, Washington. Our licensed professionals can treat clinical depression through a blended combination of cognitive, behavioral, interpersonal and psychodynamic therapy. Medications are often prescribed in addition to therapy if needed, but therapy alone can often provide necessary relief. All of our counseling services are available to patients throughout the Bellevue, Washington area.
Corner Canyon Counseling
Our staff of highly-trained and experienced social workers, and mental health counselors in Bellevue, Washington will take an active role in your counseling sessions.
Bellevue, Washington