Depression
What is Depression?
Word Depression is commonly used for depressive disorders. It refers to a disorder of mood and interest.
It is normal to feel low or sad when things are not going well. If you are not able to come out of that sad feeling and start losing interest in pleasurable activities, it could be a sign of a depressive disorder. It may affect your sleep, appetite, energy level, motivation. It may cause you to feel hopeless or helpless. It may even cause thoughts of dying or suicide. If you are experiencing these symptoms, it is important to get evaluated by a mental health professional.
FAQ
Yes, many people experience depression at some point in their life and it contributes to the likelihood of attempting suicide. Early treatment is key!
Yes. We all currently lack some protective mechanisms we normally depend on, such as social connection to loved ones. For people working in healthcare, the risk is even higher due to stress from caretaking or fear of contracting the virus on the job.
Actually, a depressed mood or feeling sad is a normal fluctuation of emotion when it occurs for a short period of time. However, you may be suffering from clinical depression if the feeling occurs for a long time or you cannot enjoy things you used to enjoy. Often, people speak of these terms interchangeably but they are different.
No, plenty of people with depression still function by masking their feelings and pushing through pain. These people may suffer deeply on the inside.
In the past, it was thought that depression was just genetic and only able to be treated once it occurred. New studies show that we can prevent the onset of depression.
Yes! Many people who seek treatment get better. There are a variety of options depending on preference, current evidence, and your specific situation.
Not necessarily. Sometimes, medication may be needed but it depends on the type of depression, frequency, and stage as well. Psychotherapy, medication, or advanced treatments may be used either alone or in combination to treat depression.
What can you do if you have some symptoms of Depression?
Knowledge is power. Learn and take action within your circle of power. The following links provide more information about this disorder.
Blog links
How to make depression go away and feel happy again https://drrozina.com/depression/video-how-to-make-depression-go-away-and-feel-happy-again/
Alcohol and Depression: https://drrozina.com/depression/alcohol-and-depression/
Know Five Signs of Depression and Save Lives: https://drrozina.com/blog/signs-of-depression/
How to Prevent and Get over Depression? https://drrozina.com/blog/how-to-prevent-and-get-over-depression/
Are You Developing Depression- https://drrozina.com/depression/depression-awareness-series-part-2/
“I had a black dog: his name was depression” Stream video, duration 04:17 mins: http://www.who.int/topics/depression/en/
Depression and How Therapy Can Help: https://www.apa.org/topics/depression/recover
Depression (major depressive disorder): https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/symptoms-causes/syc-20356007
Book links
‘The Mindful Way Through Depression: Freeing Yourself From Chronic Unhappiness’: https://www.guilford.com/books/The-Mindful-Way-through-Depression/Williams-Teasdale-Segal-Kabat-Zinn/9781593851286
‘The Upward Spiral: Using Neuroscience to Reverse the Course of Depression, One Small Change at a Time’: https://www.newharbinger.com/upward-spiral
‘Feeling Good’: https://feelinggood.com/books/
How to get care?
Providers in the area
Silver Lake, Everett, WA: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/psychiatrists/wa/everett/silver-lake
Mt. Vernon, WA: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/psychiatrists/wa/mount-vernon
Organization for further support
NAMI National Alliance on Mental Illness, the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness
NIMH National Institute of Mental Health – Depression: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression/index.shtml