Feeling sad or down occasionally is a part of life for everyone. However, if you experience persistent feelings of sadness that interfere with your daily life and inhibit healthy functioning, you may be living with depression.
Let’s talk about the various types of depression, the symptoms, and where you can go in Atlanta to conquer your depression once and for all.
What Are the Types of Depression?
There are various types of depression. They are differentiated through variables such as duration of symptoms, type of symptoms, the onset of symptoms, and severity of symptoms.
Categories of depression include, but are not limited to, the following types:
- Clinical depression, which is also called major depressive disorder, occurs when depression symptoms occur more days of the week than not. Symptoms interfere with the patient’s ability to function throughout the day.
- Persistent depressive disorder is either low-grade persistent depression or chronic major depression that occurs for 2 years or longer.
- Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), also known as seasonal depression, impacts those who are highly sensitive to levels of sunlight exposure.
- Peripartum depression is related to both prenatal depression and postpartum depression, and it can happen to women who are pregnant or have recently given birth.
- Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression, occurs as mood fluctuations in someone who experiences extreme “highs” (mania) and “lows” (depression).
- Atypical depression is very similar to major depressive disorder, but people with this kind of depression experience mood reactivity. For example, one’s depressive symptoms may lighten upon hearing good news.
- Situational depression is short-term and occurs due to a stress-filled life event or medical problem.
- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder relates to severe depression symptoms that occur in women who are of childbearing age. Premenstrual dysphoric disorder is a more debilitating version of premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
Symptoms of Depression
Common symptoms of clinical depression include:
- Unexplained weight loss or weight gain
- Loss of interest in normal activities
- Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
- Fatigue
- Feelings of agitation and restlessness
- Feeling slowed down physically and mentally
- Suicidal ideations
- Trouble focusing and making decisions
What Are the Treatments for Depression?
Treatment for depression is unique to each individual. That being said, psychotherapy (talk therapy) and medication are commonly utilized, in combination or separately, with much success.
There are many different approaches to treatment and therapy, and the following have all been found to be effective for treating depression:
- Interpersonal therapy is rooted in the idea that our relationships create or heighten depressive symptoms. The goal of interpersonal therapy is to give you the skills to better navigate relationships in your life.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy aims to change negative thoughts and behavioral patterns that may be contributing to your depressive symptoms.
- Psychodynamic therapy addresses how your depression may be related to unresolved wounds, past experiences, and/or unconscious content.
- Behavioral activation focuses on implementing activities in your life that increase pleasant emotions.
- Supportive counseling encourages individuals to express themselves. The therapist will listen to you and foster an environment of acceptance.
- Problem-solving therapy focuses on defining your most urgent problem(s) and guiding you to come up with a plan to overcome the defined issues.
Counselors and Therapists for Overcoming Depression in Atlanta
If you believe that you are experiencing symptoms of depression, it will be beneficial for you to get in touch with a therapist or mental health professional. If you would like to schedule a consultation with one of our caring and experienced counselors, contact Atlanta Specialized Care today at (770) 815-6853 or fill out our appointment request form online now. We look forward to helping you get out of your depression and start enjoying life once again.
