DEPRESSION
Feelings of Depression: You Deserve to Be Happy
Depression is a constant feeling of sadness. While we all feel sad, moody, or low from time to time, some people experience these feelings intensely, for long periods of time and sometimes without any apparent reason. Depression is more than just being moody or sad: It’s a serious condition that has an impact on both physical and mental health. “I’m a failure,” “It’s my fault,” “Nothing good ever happens to me,” “Things will never change,” “Life is not worth living.” These are just some of the common thoughts caused by depression. If you’ve been experiencing thoughts or feelings of depression, New York City psychologist Shannon Stepan can help.
Is Depression Therapy Right for Me?
Depression affects how people think, feel, and act. Depression makes it more difficult to manage daily activities and interferes with work, study, and relationships. You may feel sad, miserable, irritable, overwhelmed, frustrated, indecisive, and disappointed.
Behavioral symptoms of depression include withdrawing from close family and friends, stopping usual enjoyable activities, not getting things accomplished, and relying on alcohol and sedatives. Physical symptoms of depression include being tired all the time, feeling sick and run down, frequent headaches, stomach or muscle pains, a churning gut, sleep problems, loss or change of appetite, and significant weight loss or gain.
If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms of depression, therapy can help. Psychologist Shannon Stepan will show you how to manage your depression and get you back to living a fulfilling and satisfying life.
Depression Therapy with Psychologist Shannon Stepan
Therapy is effective at treating various types of depression:
Major Depression or Major Depression Disorder is the most common type of depression. It can be described as mild, moderate, or severe. Individuals describe it as an “all-consuming darkness.” Loss of interest in most activities, trouble sleeping, loss of energy, and feelings of worthlessness are common indicators. Thoughts of death and suicide may also occur.
Persistent Depressive Disorder (or Dysthymia) is a type of depression that refers to someone exhibiting persistent or ongoing symptoms, often lasting for at least two years. Although the symptoms linger, they do not reach the intensity of major depression. Individuals rarely show signs of joy or happiness. Persistent Depressive Disorder is often linked to changes in neurotransmitters in the brain. Stress and life changes are other contributors.
Bipolar Disorder (or Manic Depressive Disorder) is a form of depression associated with mood changes and behavior that may be described as “opposites.” Individuals who experience bipolar disorder go through periods of high energy and then feel very low and depressed. The “manic” side of bipolar disorder is characterized by high energy, high self-esteem, grandiose ideas, and a decreased need for sleep. When the manic phase ends, the depressive phase begins. Feelings of extreme sadness, hopelessness, guilt, and self-loathing take over.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is exactly as the name suggests. It is characterized by changes in mood as the season’s change. Symptoms are more prevalent during the fall and winter months. It is believed that SAD may result from changes in the body’s natural schedule or rhythm or changes in the function of chemical messengers in the body.
Postpartum Depression is a mood disorder affecting mothers after childbirth. It’s considered the result of physical and emotional factors occurring after the baby is born. The levels of estrogen and progesterone in a woman’s body drop quickly after childbirth, leading to chemical changes in the brain that may trigger mood swings. Sleep deprivation means the mom’s body and mind cannot recover from childbirth, resulting in physical discomfort and exhaustion, both of which affect mood and lead to postpartum depression.
What Are the Methods of Treatment for Depression?
Some of the most common methods used to treat depression are:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a talk therapy focusing on modifying negative thoughts, behaviors, and emotional responses associated with psychological distress. CBT is an effective form of therapy for those suffering from depression. It works by helping people learn how to change their behaviors by first learning how to change their thoughts. It’s based on the theory that out thoughts impact how we behave.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is similar to CBT. It helps people identify thoughts that produce undesired emotional and behavioral responses and incorporates skills to increase tolerance of those emotions. Teaching people how to regulate emotions, tolerate stress, and work towards acceptance to change is a focus.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a form of therapy that allows patients to learn how to Act, Choose, and Take action. Patients learn how to live in the present, not to dwell in the past or worry about the future. They also observe their feelings in a way that allows them not to get too caught up in them. It helps patients learn how to find the things in life that are the most important to them and then act according to those values.
What Are the Risk Factors?
There are several factors that make a person susceptible to depression, including:
Environmental: growing up in an environment where there is a constant exposure to things like abuse, poverty, or violence.
Genetics: if there is a family history of depression you will want to be prepared and know what to look for so you can quickly recognize it in yourself and get help.
Personality: having low self-esteem and low confidence can put you at a higher risk of developing depression.
Biochemistry: there are chemicals in your brain which can be responsible for causing depression.
Should I Seek Support?
Depression is often not recognized and can go on for months or even years if left untreated. Untreated depression can have a negative impact on your life, including serious relationship and family problems, difficulty finding and maintaining a job, and alcohol and drug dependency.
There is a range of effective treatments and health professionals who can help you learn how to manage your feelings of depression. It’s important to seek support as early as possible, as the sooner you get treatment, the sooner you can recover.
Start Healing with Depression Therapy
Take the first step toward managing your depression and turning your life around. Schedule a consultation with leading New York City depression therapist Shannon Stepan today.
