The DSM-5 identifies several different symptoms of depression, but two main criteria must be considered. These two are: depressed mood and anhedonia.
Depressed mood has to do with sadness, and anhedonia is not feeling pleasure or interest in the things you used to enjoy.
If you meet one of the two main criteria, the secondary symptoms will be considered:
- Sleep difficulties
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Fatigue
- Poor Concentration
- Isolation
- Psychomotor agitation
- Loss of pleasure or enjoyment
- Feeling of worthlessness or guilt.
- Thoughts of suicide or death
Symptoms must last at least two weeks and must represent a change in your previous level of functioning for a diagnosis of depression. Depression symptoms can vary from mild to severe.
It is important to note that some medical conditions such as vitamin deficiency and thyroid and brain tumor can mimic symptoms of depression. Thus it is important to rule out general medical causes.
What are the causes of Major Depression?
Depression can be caused by different factors, such as responding to stress and reacting to negative experiences and thoughts. Also, it can be attributed to biological factors, such as alterations in brain areas and genetic alterations.
Managing and Treating Depression
In therapy, you will identify negative beliefs or thoughts contributing to your depression.
I will provide a safe space for you to open up and discuss things that might upset you. You will identify if certain beliefs, feelings, and thoughts contribute to your depression. You will see what changes need to be made to feel more joyful again.
On many occasions, people come to therapy after they have lost their sense of purpose in life. It is ok; sometimes, you can feel like you do not have a clear vision of your life. However, you don’t have to endure this on your own. Together we will explore new ways and a new attitude that you can encounter and live life. I know that it is hard to admit you are not feeling joyful as before, but you have to start somewhere.
In therapy you will:
- Identify negative beliefs and behaviors and replace them with healthy, positive ones.
- Explore relationships and experiences, and develop positive interactions with others.
- Identify issues that contribute to your depression and change behaviors that make it worse.
- Develop the ability to tolerate and accept distress using healthier behaviors.
Reach out for help if you are experiencing depressive symptoms.
In a crisis situation, I agree
that I will either:
- TEXT: You can text the Crisis Text line by texting “Help” to 741-741
- PHONE/VOICE: Call the Crisis Hotline via phone at (800) 273-8255/988
- You can also call your psychiatrist or prescriber for assistance
- IN PERSON: Go to your nearest emergency room for in-person help if you are in immediate crisis.
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Individual Therapy via Telehealth counseling available to people in Florida.
*NOTE: All counseling clients must be physically located in Florida.
