Depression is an extremely common mental illness that can strike people of all walks of life, although the mental illness is more common in women than in men, and it often arises in early adulthood.
Depression is characterized by the following symptoms for at least two weeks. You may have some or all of the following, or other symptoms not on this list:
Research shows that depression comes from a wide range of factors, including genetics, stressful life events, and brain chemistry. Your personal temperament — for example, whether you are more pessimistic or optimistic, or the quality of your self-esteem — also plays a role.
Other factors include the following:
Depression is typically treated with a combination of medication and therapy. Psychiatrists will often prescribe an antidepressant, such as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) or a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), to help lift the symptoms of depression.
The team at Luminous Counseling & Consulting provides psychotherapy, specifically cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), to help you understand and healthily process your feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness. The practitioners guide you to identify and change any poor coping mechanisms you may have to resolve your issues.
If you’re looking for dedicated professional help for your depression, call (256) 686-9195 or make an appointment online today.