Depression is a common mood disorder that causes frequent low feelings like sadness, hopelessness, and apathy. It’s more than just a bout of sadness and can last for weeks, months, or even years.
If you experience depression, you might feel like there’s no hope of getting better. You might even get used to feeling the way you do. It’s important to remember that there are treatments available even for depression that resists conventional care.
Depression can cause various symptoms: It affects your thought patterns, emotions, and behaviors. It’s even possible for someone else to notice changes in how you act or express yourself before you’re aware of your depression.
- Sadness or hopelessness
- Guilt
- Teariness and crying
- Appetite changes and weight fluctuations
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Physical aches and pains
- Fatigue
- Suicidal thoughts or behaviors
How can I manage my depression?
Regardless of the factors that contribute to your mood disorder, improvement is possible with individualized treatment.
Psychotherapy helps you learn more about how your mind works and develop skills to overcome the negative feelings associated with depression. Sometimes, clients also benefit from taking medication.