Depression or major depressive disorder is a common mental disorder that disables the individual’s capacity to feel, think or act normally. It diminishes the working efficiency of affected individuals and leaves them socially handicapped.
They are the normal physiological response of the body. Another critical point differentiating depression from normal grief or sadness is the persistent and prolonged presence of symptoms.
Symptoms of Major Depressive Disorder
Some of the most commonly experienced symptoms of major depressive disorder include
- Anhedonia
- Persistently feeling gloomy
- Difficulty in focusing
- Social or specific anxiety
- Absence of inspiration
- Sleeplessness
- Poor appetite
- Lower self-esteem and confidence
- Self-destructive inclinations
- Anorexia or bulimia nervosa
Depression Makes Life Challenging
It can be quite challenging when life is triggered by a mental illness, such as depression. Depression is not a choice, nor is it an easy condition to live with. When you have depression, the way you think and feel about certain things, going out in public, or even doing normal tasks can be extremely difficult.
What Causes Depression?
Depression is caused by a variety of factors, including traumatic life events (the death of a loved one, loss of a job or home, a divorce), genetics, biochemical imbalances in the brain (often caused by medications or alcohol abuse), and stress—both physical and emotional. Each person has their own unique set of factors that contribute to their depression, but there are some commonalities across people with the disease.
People who suffer from Major Depressive Disorder often have poor coping mechanisms for dealing with stress in their lives. They might have trouble communicating their feelings to others in an effective way.
In addition, people with depression often feel isolated from others and detached from life. This can cause some people to be unable to see the good things in life or feel appreciation for them—they may even start expecting bad things to happen as a matter of course.
How Can Treatment of Depression Help?
Depression treatment can help you get the most out of life by helping you to understand your own needs and how to meet those needs. In many cases, depression treatment doesn’t focus on a “cure” for your depression but on bettering your understanding of the factors that contribute to your depression and helping you to cope with them in a healthier way.
The Novus Beginning Psychiatry Counseling Approach to Major Depressive Disorder Treatment
Dr. Nibras can treat patients with major depressive disorder. Antidepressants, mood stabilizers, and, in severe cases, antipsychotics form the mainstay of treatment at the Novus Beginning Psychiatry clinic. Apart from the medications, Dr. Nibras’s scientific and medical-proven approach helps the patient face life challenges independently. So, if you, your family members, or your friends are facing the problem of Major Depressive Disorder, feel free to contact us.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a form of psychotherapy that is employed to address a variety of mental health issues, including depression. CBT focuses on changing unhealthy or negative thought patterns and behaviors in order to improve your mood. This therapy can help you identify negative thoughts and behaviors that may be contributing to your depression and learn strategies to correct them.
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
DBT is another type of psychotherapy used to treat many types of mental health conditions, including depression. DBT is similar to CBT in that it also focuses on changing negative thoughts and behaviors, but DBT also teaches skills for improving relationships with others and building personal strength when dealing with painful emotions such as sadness or anger.
- Psychodynamic Therapy
Psychodynamic therapy aims to change how you relate with yourself and others by helping you explore your past experiences and understand how they affect your current feelings, thoughts, and behaviors today.