Imagine this: You wake up in the morning, and can’t seem to get out of bed. You used to love waking up, because it meant that you had an entire day’s worth of experiences lying ahead of you. Now, you can barely bring yourself to sit up. You haven’t been hungry lately, but you grab yourself something quick to eat to get just enough energy to make it to work or school. For the past few months, you’ve had extreme difficulty concentrating – you constantly feel a deep sense of worthlessness and shame. You used to get excited for the future, planning it out and everything but you no longer do this. Everything seems to take too much energy.
These are all symptoms of depression. Needless to say, depression can take a huge toll on your life if you don’t get treated early enough, but it is treatable. There are different mental disorders in which depression can take place, and there are also different causes. The following are several types of depression (but not all):
- Major depression – feelings of sadness, worthlessness, emptiness, loss of energy, appetite, etc. for more than 2 weeks.
- Persistent depressive disorder – having a low, dark, or sad mood most days and at least 2 other symptoms of depression lasting for 2 years or more
- Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) – recurring signs of depression that occur typically during the fall or winter months
- Psychotic depression – severe depression accompanied by psychosis, which involves losing touch with reality
- Postpartum depression – a shift in hormones, fatigue, and more after a woman gives birth and is experienced as sadness, anxiety and exhaustion which can be overwhelming as new parents adjust to having a baby
The first step you need to take is to obtain a diagnosis from a doctor. Once you receive a diagnosis, you can get treatment, which typically involves psychotherapy – also known as talk therapy and possibly medication. Depression is a complex disorder, and a number of factors could cause it, including major life events, personal factors such as family history or drug use, changes in the brain, and more.
Therapy is a primary component of treatment for rehabilitation from a substance use disorder and/or mental health disorder. Attending treatment with certified clinicians and counselors is critical for a full recovery. At one of New Vista Behavioral Health’s treatment providers, you are receiving exceptional care, held to a higher standard. Our programs result in better outcomes, ensuring a better recovery. For information call us today: 888-316-3665.
