Our therapists provide depression counseling in Spring, TX

What Are the Basic Signs of Depression?

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, used by providers to diagnose various depression disorders, the following symptoms can indicate major depressive disorder (MDD): 

1. A depressed mood (profound feelings of sadness and negativity) enduring longer than two weeks 
2. Loss of interest or pleasure in normally enjoyable activities (aka anhedonia)
3. Changes in appetite, sometimes leading to unintentional weight loss or gain
4. Extreme fatigue 
5. Extreme feelings of guilt or worthlessness
6. Problems with concentration, attention, and/or memory
7. Suicidality (if you’re ever considering harming yourself, call a crisis hotline immediately)

What Are the Long and Short-Term Effects of Having Depression?

Untreated depression can lead to many undesirable effects  People with depression might suffer from the following outcomes:

• Irritability, which depressed men experience more than women 
• Substance abuse or addiction
• Changes in sleep patterns 
• Changes in libido (sex drive)
• Social isolation and avoidance
• Physical aches and pains
• Concurrent anxiety and depression
• Job loss
• Breakups and estrangements in intimate relationships

Depressive episodes can lead to consequences that may be difficult to reverse. Early and high-quality treatment of depression at Thriveworks in Spring, TX can help prevent these kinds of negative outcomes. 

What’s the Best Way to Treat Major Depressive Disorder?

The best therapy for depression depends on the person and their responses. Some of the most effective ways to combat symptoms of depression include the following:

• Talk therapy
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical behavior therapy, a type of CBT 
• Supportive therapy
• Psychodynamic therapy
• Holistic treatments like meditation and muscle relaxation
• Mindfulness therapy
• Family therapy or couples therapy
• Day-to-day lifestyle modifications addressing nutrition and exercise
• Psychosocial interventions
• Behavioral activation
• Antidepressant medications and other pharmaceuticals, prescribed by a Thriveworks psychiatric NP

What Are the Kinds of Depression?

Different kinds of mood disorders might call for different treatments, so it’s important to differentiate between them accurately. Here are the forms of depression:

• Mild or major depression
• Manic depression (bipolar disorder)
• Postpartum depression (PPD) or perinatal depression (PND)
• Persistent depressive disorder (PDD) aka dysthymia
• Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
• Situational depression
• Psychotic depression
• Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)

The SAD type of depression may require light therapy treatment, while the situational depression may require more psychosocial support. 

Premium Depression Treatment at Thriveworks in Spring, TX

The depression counselors and other mental health providers at Thriveworks in Spring, TX specialize in giving people the resources they need to elevate their moods and get their lives back on track. If you’re seeking professional support for your depression, call Thriveworks today.