Clinically Reviewed by Dr. Kate Smith
What Is Depression Disorder?
Depression disorder is a mental health disorder in which a person feels persistent feelings of sadness. They may not have a direct reason for feeling sad, but it impacts how they feel, thinks, and move through life. Many people with this condition struggle with everyday activities, often feeling helpless to improve their situation. In some cases, this can worsen to the point where you are unsure why you are alive. If you have thoughts of suicide or death, call 911 for immediate help.
Many factors can bring on depression. Brain chemistry is one of the most common causes. The chemicals in the brain that help with communication are not present in the proper amounts, leading to feelings of depression. Other factors contributing to depression disorders include a lack of hormone balance, biological differences in the brain’s function, and inherited traits. Environmental factors can also play a role in the onset of depression.
What Are the Symptoms of Depression?
It’s important to pay close attention to depression symptoms. If they worsen, seek help immediately. Some of the most common symptoms of depression include:
- Feeling tired or lacking energy all of the time
- Sadness that’s profound and sometimes unexplained
- Feeling worthless and helpless
- No longer wanting to engage in activities that you used to enjoy
- Having no appetite or, in some people, excessive weight gain
- Trouble in interpersonal relationships
- Slowed thinking and body movements
Depression disorders like these can feel impossible to treat. That’s part of depression itself – the lack of ability or willingness to fix what’s happening.
What Are the Types of Depression?
Depression can manifest differently in everyone. There are three major types of depression: major depressive disorder, persistent depressive disorder, and bipolar disorder.
- Major depressive disorder is the most common type of depression. It affects people’s lives to a greater extent than other forms, as it can cause severe symptoms that last two weeks or longer.
- Persistent depressive disorder is another type of depression that lasts for a longer period of time, generally two years or more.
- Bipolar disorder is the most severe form of depression and involves periods of depressive states and manic states.
How Depression and Addiction Are Linked
Many people with depression find themselves struggling with what they are experiencing. To deal with the symptoms of depression, they may turn to drugs or alcohol. This may help to soothe some of those symptoms initially, but it does not provide any long-term benefit. Over time, you may even notice your health worsening.
Treatment for depression and addiction needs to be done at the same time. As co-occurring disorders, this type of treatment minimizes both conditions at one time, giving you the best chance to overcome your challenges.
How Can We Help with Depression?
For men and women with depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and other mental health concerns, treatment is critical because it may be able to gain strategies to help you heal. For example, some medications can help with hormone and brain chemical regulation, minimizing the onset of symptoms from the source. This can improve your quality of life right away.
Other times, especially when it comes to depression and addiction, treatment needs to come from talk therapy. Our professionals can offer supportive solutions to help you. If you are struggling with depression, reach out to learn more about depression disorder treatment options we offer that can give you a better quality of life again. This includes programs such as:
- Intensive outpatient program
- Partial hospitalization program
- Women’s treatment programs
- Men’s treatment programs
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