The good news is that depression is an easily treatable condition which responds well to psychotherapy. Is treatment for depression the right step for you?
Everyone feels sad, or down in the dumps from time to time. What makes depression different from “feeling blue” is that this sad mood doesn’t go away after a couple of weeks.
If you’ve been feeling down and can’t seem to shake it, if you’re not enjoying life like you used to, less interested in your usual activities, experience rapid weight gain or loss, or notice changes in your sleeping, eating, socializing and working activities, chances are that you could be depressed. Not all of these symptoms need be present for a pattern of depression to be of concern.
Treatment for depression
It is estimated that one in five adults in the general population experiences a depressive disorder (e.g., major depression, bipolar disorder, dysthymia, post-partum depression, or seasonal affective disorder) at some point in their lives. For each person suffering directly from depression, three or four times that number (relatives, friends) will be affected also.
Many people try to live with this condition without seeking help, so it is difficult to know exact numbers. Without appropriate treatment this condition can go on for a very long time—months or years.
Thinking of suicide may be one of the most frightening thoughts that depression may cause, and this should be immediately treated rather than hoping it “will go away.”
Sometimes medication, carefully monitored, can facilitate the healing process. Research consistently demonstrates that therapy produces more lasting change when used alone or in combination with medications. It is encouraging that so many people do get better with appropriate treatment.
 Get help
If you are suffering from depression there is hope. Call now to get help, or just fill out the contact form and click Send.
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