Depression is more than just feeling sad; it’s an overwhelming sense of despair that lasts for an extended period of time and affects your daily life. The good news is that depression is highly treatable, and psychologists can provide the help you need.
As a licensed psychologist with extensive experience in treating depression, I want to shed light on this common mental health condition and how it can be effectively addressed. Let’s explore the different aspects of depression and the approaches psychologists use to help individuals overcome it.
What is Depression?
Depression, also known as major depressive disorder or clinical depression, is a prevalent mental health condition in the United States. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), an estimated 21 million adults (about 8.4% of all U.S. adults) experienced at least one major depressive episode in 2020.
Depression affects people in various ways, but most individuals experience a combination of the following symptoms:
- Prolonged sadness or feelings of emptiness
- Feelings of helplessness or hopelessness
- Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
- Anger and irritability
- Restlessness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Fatigue
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Appetite changes
- Chronic pain, headaches, or stomachaches
- Loss of interest in activities
- Withdrawal from friends and family
- Thoughts of death or suicide.
Causes of Depression
Depression arises due to a combination of genetic, biological, psychological, social, and environmental factors. People with a family history of depression or those dealing with serious chronic diseases, such as heart disease or cancer, face an increased risk of developing depression. Major life changes, traumatic experiences, and high levels of stress can also trigger episodes of depression, although some episodes may appear without an obvious external cause.
Treating Depression
It’s crucial to understand that depression is not a sign of weakness, and it cannot simply be overcome by “snapping out of it.” It is a condition that requires professional treatment. However, with the right care, people can experience significant improvement.
Antidepressant medications can be beneficial for reducing depression symptoms, particularly in individuals with severe depression. Psychotherapy, either on its own or in combination with medication, is another effective treatment option. Psychotherapy can have lasting effects that protect against symptom recurrence even after the treatment ends.
Consulting a Psychologist for Depression
Licensed psychologists are highly trained mental health professionals who specialize in helping patients recover from depression. They employ various approaches of psychotherapy that have been proven effective, especially for those with mild to moderate depression.
Consulting a psychologist for depression can help you:
- Identify life events that contribute to your depression and find ways to change, accept, or adapt to those situations.
- Set realistic goals for your future.
- Recognize distorted thought processes or unhelpful behaviors that contribute to feelings of hopelessness and helplessness.
- Develop coping skills to manage symptoms and problems, and identify or prevent future episodes of depression.
Two common evidence-based therapies for depression are cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy (IPT).
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) enables patients to identify and manage negative thoughts and behavior patterns that contribute to their depression. It helps patients recognize unhelpful or negative thinking, change inaccurate beliefs, modify behaviors that worsen depression, and engage with others in more positive ways.
Interpersonal therapy (IPT) focuses on improving relationships by better-expressing emotions and solving problems in healthier ways. IPT assists patients in resolving or adapting to challenging life events, developing social skills, and enhancing support systems to cope with depressive symptoms and life stressors.
Psychologists work closely with their patients to create personalized treatment plans based on their unique needs and concerns. Psychotherapy equips patients with effective coping strategies, stress management techniques, and adaptive thinking patterns which leads to improved mood and functionality in daily life.
If you’re looking for a licensed psychologist in your area, you can use our Psychologist Locator tool.
Depression in Children and Adolescents
Depression is not limited to adults; it’s also prevalent among children and adolescents. According to NIMH, approximately 4.1 million children aged 12–17 (around 17% of the U.S. population in that age group) experienced at least one major depressive episode in 2020.
While it is normal for adolescents to experience mood swings, it’s essential to be vigilant if your child exhibits extreme irritability, ongoing motivation issues, or persistent sadness lasting two weeks or more. In such cases, it’s advisable to have them evaluated for depression.
Depression in children and adolescents can be treated from a multimodal approach. Psychotherapy is a recommended component to treating depression in a pediatric population. Both CBT and IPT have proven to be effective in treating depression in young individuals. Research also demonstrates that a combination of antidepressant medication and cognitive-behavioral therapy yields highly positive results in treating youth depression.
The good news is that most children recover from depression. However, studies indicate that individuals who experience depression during childhood are at a higher risk of recurrence during adolescence or adulthood. Both CBT and IPT help children recognize signs of a depressive episode, enabling them to monitor their symptoms and seek prompt assistance if they experience a recurrence. These treatments help to establish coping skills that can be used throughout the lifespan to combat depressive episodes.
Dr. Melissa Fogle, based in Winter Park, Florida, specializes in helping patients overcome depression. With her expertise, she can guide you or your loved ones toward recovery and improved mental well-being. Remember, depression is treatable, and you don’t have to face it alone. Seek help, and take the first step toward a happier and healthier life.