Feeling discouraged or sad is an integral part of life. Just as we will know seasons of peace and joy, we will move through times of disappointment and sorrow.
Many of us will at some point contend with lowered spirits. When we do feel that way, what matters are the length and intensity of the emotions. They might last from days to weeks and then lift. In other cases, they may persist for months to years and may indicate an underlying condition such as major depressive disorder.
Whether depression is temporary or continuing, Empowered Life Therapy provides supporting treatment and therapy for all people of all backgrounds. We are a safe, caring and adaptive space where you can work through your feelings, thoughts and experiences in moving toward healing, balance and growth.
Depression – also commonly referred to as clinical depression or major depressive disorder (MDD) – is a mood affliction characterized by symptoms such as:
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Depression also can be diagnosed and classified as other subtypes, such as:
seasonal affective disorder (SAD) ׀ depression triggered by seasonal changes, particularly in late fall and winter
persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia) ׀ a form of depression that lasts for at least two years
bipolar disorder depression ׀ a condition that can often involve episodes of both mania and depressive lows
substance-induced mood disorder (SIMD) ׀ depression symptoms that develop during or after regular use of drugs or alcohol
Affecting how we think, feel and behave, depression is more than the blues, and it is not a sign of incapacity or weakness. It is an identifiable medical condition. If you believe you are contending with depression, know that it is treatable, and you can manage it while maintaining a fulfilling, hopeful and productive life.
The short answer to who suffers from depression is anybody. It can visit people of any age, color, background, location and occupation.
As a simple matter of reference, consider just a few well-known people who have openly discussed their struggles with depression:
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While there are no set criteria that determine who will suffer from major depressive disorder and when, certain factors may help cause the onset of depression.
Brain chemistry. Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that send signals from nerve cells to other target cells, allowing impulses to move through the nervous system. They help regulate functions such as heart rate, appetite, muscle movement, thoughts, memories and feelings. Changes in neurotransmitters’ effect and operation, particularly in how they interact with the neurocircuits related to mood stability, may influence depression and its treatment.
Biological differences. Individuals with MDD appear to have physical changes in their brains. For example, chronic stress, certain diseases and long-term injuries, and physical or emotional trauma can negatively alter the brain’s structure and function. One notable example is the depression suffered by football players with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) from repeated collisions and concussions.
Hormones. Changes in the body's hormone balance may play a role in causing or triggering depression. This can be especially true during pregnancy and the period that follows delivery (postpartum). Other hormonal changes can result from conditions such as thyroid problems or menopause.
Heredity. Depression seems to be more common among people whose blood relatives also have the condition. According to Stanford Medicine, individuals with an immediate family member living with depression may have twice or three times the risk of inheriting it as well. Beyond a biological possibility, intergenerational trauma within a family could sustain a condition until it receives proper treatment.
Depression can set in at any age but tends to be more developed and noticeable during the teens, 20s or 30s. Women also are more likely than men to be diagnosed with MDD, although a reason may be that more women seek treatment than men do.
Other variables thought to potentially increase the risk of having depression include:
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Depression therapy with us creates your safe, open space to explore thoughts and beliefs, discuss goals and establish the techniques and exercises for soothing and healing by reconnecting body, mind and spirit. In guiding the return to the peaceful, healthy self, we also tap into the inner wisdom and light that shine the way forward.
As we listen to you and learn about you, together we can determine the best approaches to treatment for MDD according to your situation. Some of our options might include:
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Some of these approaches involve drawing upon the body’s built-in mechanisms for healing and managing our mental health.
For example, polyvagal theory (Stephen Porges) centers on neuroscientific concepts of brain signals and activity. It puts forth that our bodies react in physiological and neurobiological ways to elevated stress. Through polyvagal theory, we can learn to control the nerve that regulates our stress responses.
We may also focus on neuroplasticity, which is the brain’s ability to re-form synaptic connections, particularly those affected by intense chronic stress and trauma.
Other meaningful aspects of depression therapy and treatment for MDD might be identifying triggers of depression and developing ways to practice healthy self-care. What matters most is what is right for you as you heal, restore and strengthen mental health, which favors your physical health as well.
Empowered Life Therapy is here to help you live your life with peace, hope and clarity. If you or someone you care about is struggling with MDD or another form of depression, we encourage you to contact us to further discuss our individual therapy. Simply call us today at (630) 842-6585 or complete our contact form.
