Depression

Depression is increasingly common, with an estimated 21 million adults across the United States having experienced at least one depressive episode as of 2021. However, while depression can feel incredibly isolating, its effects are rarely truly confined. Parents living with depression will have to balance their mental health and depressive symptoms with their parenting responsibilities, increasing the risk of intergenerational depression. Understanding intergenerational depression and its effects on children is the first step toward creating a healthy and supportive home atmosphere.

Depression is a complicated and unique experience for all who have it. Everyone has their own journey and no two people's experience with depression is the same. As such, no two treatment paths will be the same. In this blog, we'll discuss some possible treatments for depression. If you're ready to learn more about your options, you've come to the right place.

Most people know what depression is but don't realize that there are all different types of depression. In this blog, we'll discuss what treatment-resistant depression is, as well as some possible causes. If you experience depression that doesn't get better with typical treatment methods, consider reaching out to a mental health professional. Getting support can be incredibly helpful. It is often the first step toward alternative treatment options that may help alleviate your symptoms.

Mental health topics are more widely talked about today than in the past. However, we as a society still have a long way to go to ensure that these conversations are more normalized and accepted. Reducing stigma is essential when it comes to mental health so that people feel they can reach out and ask for help without being judged. Unfortunately, common mental illnesses, such as depression, are still highly stigmatized in our society today.

Perhaps even the thought of the holiday season brings you feelings of stress and anxiety. Although it is a time of year to experience gratitude and joy, these emotions may seem hard to access when the holiday season is marked by work deadlines, being busier than usual, chaotic family gatherings, and bouts of depression.

Seasonal depression, also known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD) or the "winter blues," is a common condition that gets triggered at the same time each year, usually in the fall. While it may be common to experience seasonal depression in different ways, it traditionally has the following symptoms:

The term “depression” is often used to encompass many different conditions or behaviors. However, depression is more than just one thing and can present itself in unique ways.  Different forms of depression can have episodes that last varying lengths of time and unique symptoms. Moving past the idea of “depression” as a “one-term-fits-all” idea and understanding the nuances that characterize different types of depression can help each individual create an effective recovery plan for their unique needs. Major depression, persistent depressive disorder, seasonal affective disorder, atypical depression, and postpartum depression are all common and are just a few ways in which depression can manifest and affect a person’s life.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 264 million people suffer from depression worldwide. Depression is one of the most common mental illnesses in the United States. Depression can look very different depending on the person, with over 50 symptoms associated with depression. You may not even realize depression could be affecting you, so it’s important to be aware of your thoughts and how they influence your behavior. By challenging and redirecting any negative thoughts you have, you can ease the symptoms of depression and find a piece of the solution to overcoming your depression.

Do you rest peacefully in “deep sleep” through the night? Or do you find yourself tossing and turning all night long? While it isn’t often as talked about, the quality and length of your sleeping cycles can possibly provide insight into whether or not you’re battling with a mood disorder. For example, those who find themselves barely sleeping may potentially have bipolar disorder or depression. Of course, there are many other factors that could be playing a part, too. Consider your current sleeping habits. If you have difficulty sleeping at night and you’re noticing symptoms of mood issues throughout the day as well, it’s likely time to speak with a licensed healthcare professional.

Not all depression is the same, and how it affects each person is unique based on several factors. This can sometimes make it difficult to differentiate between temporary episodes of sadness and prolonged periods of suffering. Symptoms can range from mild and fleeting to severe and debilitating. There are several recognized types of depression, but the one that is most frequently treated is clinical depression. Doctors and psychiatrists will use a specific set of criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, or DSM-5, to diagnose this type of mood disorder.

Seasonal affective disorder is a condition that commonly begins in the autumn and lasts throughout the winter. This condition is also referred to as SAD because it makes an individual feel mentally depressed and physically unenergetic for several months. The condition of SAD primarily occurs in geographic regions where there is less daily sunlight as winter approaches. SAD is diagnosed in children, teenagers and adults of both genders, leading to more than 3 million cases of the condition each year in the United States.

Alcohol is legal in the United States for those 21 and older, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says people between the ages of 12 and 20 drink about 11 percent of the alcoholic drinks the country consumes. A 2016 study in the journal Pediatrics shows that 11.5 percent of those in that age group reported a major depressive episode in 2014, up from 8.7 in 2005 — a 37 percent increase. One recent American Addiction Centers (AAC) report suggesting that the connection between the alcohol and depression is particularly tricky. The report explains that it’s logical those who suffer from depression would seek the temporary relief that a drink can provide; but it is quick to point out that abuse invariably feeds the depression. Meanwhile, it asserts, the connection between abuse and depression is “undeniable” in all age groups.