Sadness is a normal reaction to life stressors (for instance when losing a loved one/pet, loss of a job, going through family conflict, conflicts with others, etc). However, individuals who experience depression experience sadness and others symptoms on a daily basis even if there is no apparent reason for their sadness. Individuals may experience persistent, intense sadness and feel unmotivated, or uninterested in life in general.
Depression also can range from long-standing dissatisfaction to debilitating despair and varies it how it presents- It can be experienced as feelings of hopelessness, isolation and withdrawal, loss of interest in activities one previously enjoyed, changes in sleep (difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or may wake up far earlier than they intend in the morning), changes in appetite (reduced appetite and weight loss or overeating and weight gain), fatigue or low energy, and thoughts of suicide. Some individuals may compensate by keeping themselves excessively busy, being in denial, and others turn to substances such as alcohol and other drugs which leads to the development of addiction. Depression is all encompassing–affecting thoughts, emotions, behaviors and even the physical body (heart rate, blood pressure, metabolism).
There are a few main categories of Depressive presentations, with various levels of severity and other specified These include but are not limited to:
● Major Depressive Disorder – Single and Recurrent episodes
● Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia)
● Seasonal Affective Disorder
● Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder
● Bipolar Depression
● Bipolar Disorder
● Postpartum Depression
● Substance/Medication-Induced Depressive Disorder
● Depressive Disorder Due to Another Medical Condition
● Other Specified Depressive Disorder
● Unspecified Depressive Disorder
Depression, regardless of its specific type, has many potential roots and sources which include but are limited to: childhood events, trauma, grief, loss, complicated bereavement, physiological and genetic causes (thyroid, family disposition), potential medication side-effects and environmental factors. As a result, a comprehensive and thorough examination of the events and experiences that proceed presenting concerns is essential. Dr. Tania can help you overcome and manage depression.
