Depression Specialist

What is depression?

If you have depression, feelings of sadness, irritability, despair, self-doubt, loss of any pleasure, and a distorted and negative sense of self disrupt your life and negatively impact your health and wellness. Depression is a severe mental health illness stemming from irregularities in your brain chemistry.

In addition to the neurotransmitters in your brain, depression is also influenced by feelings of helplessness or loss. If you have a personal history of violence, neglect, and poverty or if another member of your family has depression or another mental health condition, your risk of developing depression increases.

What are the common symptoms of depression?

If you have depression, you may experience a variety of mental, emotional, and physical symptoms. In addition to feelings of intense sadness, hopelessness, and emptiness, you may also have:

• An inability to experience pleasure
• Helplessness
• Guilt and self-loathing
• A feeling that life is meaningless
• Changes in appetite
• Sleeping too much or too little
• Extreme fatigue
• Loss of sex drive
• Poor concentration and indecision
• Social withdrawal
• Lost interest in usual activities
• Suicidal ideations or a preoccupation with death

If you have suicidal thoughts or self-harm, go to your nearest emergency room or call 911 for immediate assistance.

Are there different types of depression?

There are several types of depression. Major depressive disorder — the most prevalent and general form of the disorder — occurs when you live with five or more depression symptoms for two weeks or more. Persistent depressive disorder causes less severe symptoms, but lasts for much longer, even as long as two years or more.

Postpartum depression and seasonal affective disorder are other common forms of depression that can severely disrupt your life.  

How is depression treated?

Your treatment begins with a comprehensive assessment with one of the experienced and compassionate therapists at the Soho Center for Mental Health Counseling & Clinical Supervision. During your assessment, you and your therapist explore your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors to confirm your depression diagnosis and identify themes to explore during psychotherapy.

Then you have weekly therapy appointments during which you talk to your therapist and work toward resolving any underlying issues or conditions that contribute to your condition.

Call the Soho Center For Mental Health Counseling & Clinical Supervision or use the online booking tool to schedule an appointment for help with depression today.