If there’s anything worse than depression, it’s being depressed, and feeling as though you have no right, no reason to be. Feeling down, and then beating yourself up over it.
But… how could I be depressed? I have so many blessings.
Many people experiencing depression end up also feeling ungrateful and unworthy, because there are so many other people in the world who have lost everything or have no idea where their next meal is coming from. Yet here they are, well-fed with a loving family and a beautiful home. Who are they to be depressed?
For those who are blessed in life, feeling depressed can be especially unnerving. To have everything you could possibly want and still feel unhappy, deflated, or listless is a huge blow.
Depression doesn’t care who you are or what you have.
The human brain is complex. According to this article from Harvard Medical School, “There are many possible causes of depression, including faulty mood regulation by the brain, genetic vulnerability, and stressful life events. It’s believed that several of these forces interact to bring on depression.”
Studies show areas of the brain that appear to play a role in depression are the amygdala, basal ganglia, and hippocampus. In depressed people, the amygdala – which is activated when recalling a frightening or otherwise emotionally charged or stressful event – shows increased activity.
The other two regions of the brain are smaller in depressed people. Researchers are exploring the possibility that mood may improve when activity in those areas of the brain expands, through an increase of neurotransmitters and nerve growth which leads to new connections being formed.
So how do I know if what I’m feeling is actual clinical depression?
The National Institute of Mental Health lists symptoms of clinical depression as:
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Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood
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Feelings of hopelessness, or pessimism
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Feelings of irritability, frustration, or restlessness
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Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
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Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities
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Decreased energy, fatigue, or feeling “slowed down”
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Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
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Difficulty sleeping, early morning awakening, or oversleeping
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Changes in appetite or unplanned weight changes
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Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts
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Aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems without a clear physical cause that do not ease even with treatment
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Suicide attempts or thoughts of death or suicide
If you’ve experienced those symptoms for two weeks or more, almost every day for most of the day, you may have clinical depression.
In order to get a formal diagnosis however, you will need to make an appointment with a mental health professional.
How does therapy help?
Research shows that talk therapy (sometimes in conjunction with medication, if clinically indicated) helps rewire the brain, facilitating growth in the regions adversely affected by depression. As stated in this article on the NIH website, “Psychotherapy recreates an enriched environment that promotes development of cognitive, emotional, and behavioral abilities. The environment created during the process of psychotherapy nurtures the brain of the client to understand and learn new abilities.”
If you’re looking for depression treatment in Roseville, CA or depression treatment in Fair Oaks CA our therapists at the Relationship Therapy Center can help. We are familiar with treating and helping people with depression, and restoring them with hope and a sense of well-being.
If you’d like to learn more about how we can help you, please give us a call. You are not alone, and don’t need to hurt any longer.
Begin Depression Treatment in the Sacramento Area:
If you are struggling with depression, you may not be able to see the light at the end of the tunnel. But, With treatment for depression, you can find enthusiasm, hope, and joy again. You don’t just have to cope with depression but you can overcome depression. To begin counseling in Fair Oaks, CA, Roseville, CA, or online therapy in California, please follow these steps:
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Reach out to the Relationship Therapy Center to schedule your free 20-minute phone consultation to learn more about depression treatment
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Meet with one of our therapists
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Begin depression treatment and find the joy in your life again!
Other Services offered at The Relationship Therapy Center in California:
In addition to depression treatment, Our Sacramento area counseling clinics located in Roseville and Fair Oaks, CA are pleased to offer a variety of mental health services. Our couples services include: Couples Counseling, Counseling after infidelity, sex therapy, co-parent counseling, family therapy, divorce counseling, intensive couples retreats, and premarital counseling. Our individual therapy services include anxiety treatment, therapy for children, teen therapy, depression treatment, codependency counseling and individual relationship counseling. Our therapists offer online counseling in California to treat a variety of mental health concerns. Please reach out to our Sacramento area therapy office to learn more about the many ways we can help you or your loved ones.