we are not meant to do this alone.
Therapy for depression and mood disorders
Major Depressive Disorder
You may be struggling with Major Depressive Disorder if you experience persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed. These symptoms can significantly impact your daily life, making it difficult to concentrate, sleep, or find pleasure in things that used to bring you joy.
Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia)
You may be struggling with Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia) if you experience long-term feelings of sadness or low mood that persist for at least two years. These feelings may fluctuate in intensity but can interfere with your ability to function normally and enjoy life.
Bipolar I Disorder
You may be struggling with Bipolar I Disorder if you experience manic episodes, which are periods of abnormally elevated mood, energy, and activity, alternating with depressive episodes. These mood swings can be intense and disruptive, leading to impulsive behavior, impaired judgment, and difficulties in relationships and work.
Bipolar II Disorder
You may be struggling with Bipolar II Disorder if you experience episodes of depression alternating with hypomanic episodes, which are less severe than full-blown manic episodes. Despite the less intense nature of hypomania, it can still lead to impulsive behavior and disruptions in daily functioning.
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
You may be struggling with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder if you experience severe mood swings, irritability, and other symptoms of depression in the days before menstruation. These symptoms can be intense and debilitating, interfering with your ability to function normally in daily life.
Cyclothymic Disorder
You may be struggling with Cyclothymic Disorder if you experience frequent mood swings between mild depression and hypomania (less severe than full blown mania), but the symptoms are not severe or long-lasting enough to meet the criteria for bipolar disorder. These mood fluctuations can affect your relationships, work, and overall well-being, leading to difficulties in functioning.
Substance/Medication-Induced Depressive Disorder
You may be struggling with Substance/Medication-Induced Depressive Disorder if you experience symptoms of depression as a direct result of substance use or medication. These symptoms can include feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed and may occur during intoxication, withdrawal, or as a side effect of medication.
Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder
You may be struggling with Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder if you experience severe temper outbursts that are out of proportion to the situation and occur frequently, at least three times a week. These outbursts may involve verbal or physical aggression and can significantly disrupt your relationships and daily life.
Depressive Disorder Due to Another Medical Condition
You may be struggling with Depressive Disorder Due to Another Medical Condition if you experience persistent feelings of sadness or low mood that are directly caused by a medical condition, such as thyroid problems, neurological disorders, or chronic illnesses. These depressive symptoms can significantly impact your quality of life and may require medical treatment for the underlying condition in addition to addressing depression.
This doesn’t have to be it.
Why do we experience depression and mood disorders?
Mood disorders often arise from a complex interplay of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors. While it might feel overwhelming, seeking support can help you understand and manage these factors, learn effective coping strategies, and work towards finding stability and well-being.
How do you treat depression?
Therapy - Therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), and Psychodynamic Therapy are often used to help individuals identify and challenge negative thought patterns, process difficult emotions, and improve coping skills.
Level of Care Assessment- Ongoing assessment to determine that client is being treated at proper level of care.
Medication- Assess for medication needs (if desired)