Depression

Depression and anxiety disorders are different, but people with depression often experience symptoms similar to those of an anxiety disorder, such as nervousness, irritability, and problems sleeping and concentrating. But each disorder has its own causes and its own emotional and behavioral symptoms.

Many people who develop depression have a history of an anxiety disorder earlier in life. There is no evidence one disorder causes the other, but there is clear evidence that many people suffer from both disorders. *

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According to the CDC, in May 2020, 24% of American adults have symptoms of depressive disorder, whereas in June 2019, that number was at 6.6%

Over 11 million U.S. adults have experienced a depressive episode that resulted in severe impairment in the past year. Depression is a common and serious medical condition that affects the way you think, feel, and behave. It may cause you to feel helpless, hopeless, or even worthless. Feeling this way for a period of time after a significant life change or grieving is extremely normal. However, when it continues for extended periods of time, and the symptoms of depressed mood and loss of interest in things you normally enjoyed are present, it may be time to get help. Experiencing depression can keep you from living life to the fullest, so therapy can help you develop skills to help cope and address underlying issues that are contributing to your symptoms.

In therapy at Care Counseling, you may work on addressing negative thoughts, learning new coping skills for depressive symptoms, and increasing acceptance for yourself and your experiences.

Common Symptoms

Feeling sad or empty
Losing interest in activities that you used to find enjoyable
Having a decrease or increase in appetite
Having trouble falling asleep or sleeping too much
Feeling like you have no energy
Having difficulty thinking or concentrating on everyday activities
Having thoughts that life isn’t worth living

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There are many types of depression

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Treatment at CARE

Identifying common patterns of negative thinking and turn it into positive patterns
Lean how to reinforce wanted behaviors while eliminating unwanted behaviors
Learn skills on how to cope with stress, regulate emotions, and improve relationships with others

Warning Signs of Suicide

Dangerous or self-harming behavior, including reckless behavior and increased substance use

Changes in attitude or appearance

Making preparations, such as looking up ways to hurt themselves

Giving away personal items

Talking about suicide in person or on social media

Talking about wanting to die or “just not be around anymore”

Talking about feeling hopeless, trapped, or in unbearable pain

Talking about feeling like they are a burden to others

Additional Resources

Hotlines

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255

Call **CRISIS** (271-747)

Text MN to 741-741

Websites

Suicide Prevention Resource Center

Erika’s Lighthouse (Teen Depression)

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

Families for Depression Awareness

COMMON SYMPTOMS

DEPRESSION SYMPTOMS IN ELDER CARE

Neglecting personal care
Memory problems
Unexplained aches and pains

DEPRESSION SYMPTOMS IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENCE

Children 5 and under: Trouble with eating or sleeping, tantrums, tearfulness, tantrums
Children 5 and up: Irritability and tantrums, low frustration tolerance, trouble with eating or sleeping, tearfulness
Teens: Irritability, social withdrawal from peers or activities, sleeping too much or too little, changes in appetite or eating patterns, low self-esteem, having thoughts of death or of hurting oneself

Common across ages for children and teens: fatigue, loss of interest in activities they usually enjoy

Common Depression Diagnoses

Major Depressive Episode

This type of depression is characterized by experiencing depression symptoms more days than not during the same two weeks. Major Depression can be mild, moderate, or severe

Seasonal Pattern Disorder…AKA Season Affective Disorder

This type of recurrent depression is experienced in the fall or winter months.

Peripartum or Postpartum

Peripartum depression begins during pregnancy and can continue into postpartum

Postpartum starts after baby arrives…usually within four weeks of delivery

Situational Depression

It is common for people to experience some depression symptoms due to significant events in their lives such as the loss of a loved one, financial stress, or relationship stress.

What to Expect

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