- Depressed mood that persists for longer than two weeks
- Anhedonia (loss of interest or pleasure in activities)
- Overwhelming feelings of sadness, guilt, or worthlessness
- Fatigue and exhaustion
- Psychomotor retardation (slowed-down thoughts and actions)
- Psychomotor agitation (sped-up thoughts and actions)
- Sleeping too much or too little (insomnia)
- Changes in libido (sex drive)
- Irritability (often more common in men)
- Changes in appetite
- Substance abuse (using alcohol and drugs to self-medicate)
- Self-isolation
These symptoms could indicate any of the following depressive disorders:
- Bipolar affective disorder or manic depression
- Major, moderate, and mild depression
- Persistent depressive disorder (PDD) or dysthymia (depression lasting longer than two years)
- Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) (depression during months with less daylight, treatable with light therapy)
- Postpartum depression (PPD) (depression following childbirth)
Who Is Prone to Depression?
Anyone can be vulnerable to depression, regardless of their success or outward happiness. Celebrities like Chrissy Teigen, Lady Gaga, Jon Hamm, and Kristen Bell have been vocal about their battles with depression. Depression can stem from genetic, environmental, and social factors. Experiencing one episode of depression increases the likelihood of experiencing another without professional help.
What Happens When You Don’t Treat Your Depression?
Untreated depression can lead to chronic health problems and further disruptions in life, such as:
- Isolation
- Sleep disturbances
- Heart disease
- Weight gain
- Physical pain
- Compromised immune system
Medication Management
Thriveworks psychiatrists can provide a full physical and psychological assessment to determine if psychotropic medication would be beneficial. Medications can include:
- Serotonin selective reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
- Selective serotonin & norepinephrine inhibitors (SNRIs)
- Bupropion
- Tetracyclic antidepressants
- Serotonergic antidepressants
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
- N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) Receptor Antagonists
Our psychiatrists can prescribe and manage these medications, ensuring they work effectively with minimal side effects.
Get the Help You Need from a Depression Counselor at Thriveworks in Riverside, CA
The licensed depression counselors at Thriveworks in Riverside, CA, provide expert, compassionate care that supports the whole person. If you or a loved one is suffering from depression, there is hope. Call Thriveworks today to schedule your session at (909) 640-6972.
