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Mental Health Treatment California

Depression Treatment Center OC

Depression is a common problem in America. More than 19 million people suffer from different types of depression yearly.

What is Depression?

We all feel sad sometimes. These feelings usually come when we feel a sense of loss or disappointment. A good example is when we lose a loved one at death. However, we eventually feel better.

Depression is different. This is a prolonged feeling of sadness that doesn’t go away. It can last for weeks or months. In some situations, it can go on for years.

People who feel depressed are vulnerable to more serious issues such as self-harm or suicide.

Clinically Reviewed by: Charee Marquez, LMFT
Review Date: 3/1/2023

What Causes Depression?

Depression can be caused by different factors. They include

  • Past Events – Stressful and shocking events can cause depression. Examples include the loss of a loved one, the loss of a job, and so much more.
  • Several Medical Issues – Medical issues that cause pain or extreme discomfort can cause depression. Arthritis and diabetes are good examples of such illnesses.
  • Personality/Attitude – Negative or pessimistic views or attitudes can cause depression.
  • Abnormal brain chemistry – Imbalances in brain hormones can cause depression.

How Does Depression Affect Teens and Children

Depression can have a negative impact on the growth and development of teens and children.

Children might also have slightly different symptoms from adults and teens. This might include appetite and weight problems, avoiding school, or experiencing aches.

Teens might experience bad or poor performances in social interactions or in school. They might also struggle with feelings of worthlessness.

What are the Types of Depression?

Post-partum and Perinatal Depression

As the name implies, this happens during and after pregnancy. Some symptoms include stress, anxiety, and minor sadness.

Bipolar Depression

People with bipolar depression have extreme mood swings. This alternates between extreme feelings of sadness to extreme happiness and high energy levels.

Psychotic Depression

People with psychotic depression suffer from hallucinations and delusions. In other words, they believe and live in a different reality.

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

This type of depression comes with severe or strong feelings of sadness and hopelessness. An episode of MDD can last for 2 weeks.

A version of MDD with fewer symptoms is persistent depressive disorder (PDD).

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder

This affects only females. It can occur a few days before the start of menstrual periods. It comes with normal symptoms of depression.

Seasonal Affective Disorder

This is depression that occurs seasonally. Symptoms usually start around the end of fall and continue throughout winter.

Most symptoms will disappear once spring is around the corner.

What are the Symptoms of Depression?

  • Low or loss of energy
  • Reduced or non-existent sexual desire
  • Loss of appetite
  • Low attention span
  • Oversleeping or insomnia
  • Severe feelings of worthlessness
  • Restlessness
  • Prolonged sadness
  • Inclination towards self-harm or suicide
  • No interest in socializing

How is Depression Diagnosed?

Chronic depression is usually diagnosed by your primary health care provider. They might request your family history and ask you to fill out a questionnaire.

Your health care provider might also ask you some additional questions. Most doctors will carry out other tests to rule out other possible health issues.

What are the Risk Factors For Depression?

Gender – Females are almost twice as likely to have depression. This is because some types of depression are gender-specific.

Transgenders are far more likely to have depression than persons who identify as male or female.

Medical Issues – Certain medical illnesses can lead to depression. Heart disease and medical conditions that cause pain are common culprits.

Family History – If your close or immediate family member has depression, you are at a higher risk of having it. Genetics can also play a prominent role.

Substance Addiction/Abuse – People who abuse drugs and other illegal substances are more likely to suffer from depression.

Medications – Corticosteroids and some birth controls pose a higher risk of depression.

Can Depression Be Cured?

There is no known cure for depression. However, people who treat it early enough might go long periods without experiencing depression.

Follow the instructions given by your doctor to get the most out of the treatment plan.

How is Depression Treated?

Depression can be treated with home remedies or at a medical facility. It all depends on the frequency and severity.

Home Remedies For Depression

Self-Care – Put yourself and your body first. Try to get enough sleep, eat healthier, and meditate. Engaging in social activities will also do wonders for your depression.

Exercise – Try to do some workouts. You can take a walk, jog, or go biking.

Set Boundaries – Setting boundaries in your life or at work can reduce your stress levels. Stress and feeling overwhelmed are big triggers of depression.

Avoid Substance Abuse – Drug and substance abuse can cause depression. Even in rehab, withdrawal symptoms often include depression. Protect yourself by never engaging in it. If you always have, start your treatment quickly.

Medical Treatment For Depression

Medications

Medications can include

  • Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors – Also known as SSRI, this is the most common medication for depression. It treats depression by focusing on the serotonin in the brain. While it comes with side effects, pregnant women should check with their physician before taking it.
  • Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors – Also known as SNRI, this antidepressant focuses on serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. Examples of SNRI drugs include venlafaxine and duloxetine.

Other antidepressant drugs include

  • Monoamine oxidase inhibitors
  • Noradrenaline and dopamine reuptake inhibitors

These drugs might not be compatible with other drugs. You should get a prescription before taking any of them.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

This treatment involves working with a therapist. The focus is to find habits that are either harmful or toxic to the patient.

Psychodynamic Therapy

This treatment focuses on using past experiences to help you improve your life. Your therapist might want to talk about your childhood and other important moments in your life.

Other forms of treatment include

  • Psychotherapy
  • Dialectical behavior therapy
  • Electroconvulsive therapy
  • Light Therapy

The specific treatment will depend on your therapist or doctor.

If you feel depressed, make sure you see a doctor as soon as you can. Friends and family are also initial good options.

Getting treatment for depression early is crucial to your recovery.

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