Depression is one of the most common struggles for Americans. Depression is defined as a persistent sad, empty or irritable mood or a loss of the ability to experience pleasure (anhedonia), which often leads to physical symptoms such as lethargy, that effects someone’s everyday functioning. Depressive symptoms vary in severity and often if left untreated, symptoms can increase over time.

Depression is different than feeling sad, in that depression is a longer lasting feeling of sadness, lack of motivation, hopelessness or irritability that seems to be unable to go away. The loss of the ability to experience pleasure or enjoy the activities one used to is a common aspect of depression that is often overlooked. About half of the people with depression don’t report experiencing significant sadness but do experience this loss called anhedonia. This form of depression is especially common among men and individuals who have experienced trauma.
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Depression is similar to anxiety in that it can often occur with another struggle such as anxiety, eating disorders, trauma, and substance use. Depression is also similar to anxiety in its frequent physical manifestations such as lethargy, fatigue, body aches and sleep problems. 

Depressive Disorders

Here is a list of common Depressive Disorders.
  • Major Depressive Disorder
  • Persistent Depressive Mood Disorder or Dysthymia
  • Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder
  • Premenstrual Dysphonic Disorder

Symptoms

Depression has physical, mental and social symptoms. Here is a list of common symptoms of depression. If you notice that you struggle with some of these symptoms, it is best to be assessed and get support.
  • Sad, helpless and hopeless mood.
  • Irritable or angry mood
  • Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
  • Feelings of worthlessness
  • Weight changes and changes in eating habits
  • Changes in sleep such as excessive sleep, lack of sleep or problems staying asleep
  • Crying often
  • Thoughts of suicide or death
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Headaches
  • Muscle tension or pain
  • Anxiety
  • Isolation from others
  • Excessive feelings of guilt
  • Feeling “slow” or sluggish

Treatments

There are many treatments for depression. Often depression is best treated with psychotherapy, medication and mind/body work. However, what treatment is used is dependent on the severity of the depression. Here is a list of common therapies.
  • Talk psychotherapies such as Psychodynamic Therapy, Gestalt, Emotion-focused, Attachment-based
  • Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy
  • Cognitive Therapy
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
  • Yoga
  • Meditation
  • Animal Assisted Therapy
  • Art Therapy
  • Movement/Dance Therapy
  • Group Therapy
  • Family Therapy 
​I look at treating both the mind and body when someone is struggling with depression. I use psychotherapy techniques with mind/ body work such as yoga and mediation. I also enjoy using animal assisted therapy, as animals often help with easing tension.