Depression

Depression is a debilitating condition that permeates many facets of an individual’s life. Characterized by persistent sadness and loss of motivation, depression can lead to various mental and physical symptoms that make everyday life difficult to navigate. Though depression can seem overwhelming with no foreseeable end, it is highly treatable. Like other illnesses, it can be successfully treated through numerous evidence-based practices.

Identification and Symptoms

The key difference between sadness and depression is that the former is an emotion to be experienced while the latter is a psychiatric illness requiring treatment. Though chronic unhappiness can undoubtedly be a symptom, it does not necessarily constitute depression in isolation.

Other symptoms of depression:

• Lingering sadness, tearfulness, emptiness, or hopelessness
• Social isolation
• A marked decrease in activities you previously enjoyed
• Extreme fatigue or heaviness felt within the body
• Irritability or frustration over small matters
• Sleep disturbances, such as oversleeping and insomnia
• Difficulty functioning
• Increased or decreased appetite
• Weight gain or loss
• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
• Unexplained physical discomfort or pain

What Does Treatment Look Like?

Treatment methods vary depending on the patient and the severity of their symptoms. The basis of all treatment is the formation of a trusting relationship. In treating depression I work from an integrated perspective that combines psychodynamics and other modalities, such as CBT and DBT. Frequently I work in conjunction with psychiatrists and other treatment providers.

I also support the exploration of alternative treatment modalities that can be adjunctively helpful in the treatment of depression. Examples include evaluating diet and hormones, integrating an exercise program, acupuncture, yoga or other mindfulness-based practices.