Depression is one of the most common mental health disorders in the world. The World Health Organization estimates that more than 300 million people worldwide suffer from depression. While there are different causes for this mental health disorder, the most common type of depression is considered clinical depression.
Clinical depression is chronic, meaning it lasts more than two weeks and typically needs treatment to get better. Other types of depression are post-partum depression and seasonal depression, which are both usually short-term but still need treating. All kinds of depression can benefit from treatment.
What is Depression?
Depression is more than a sad feeling. It’s characterized by many symptoms, including a persistent feeling of sadness. People who are depressed usually lose interest in things they once enjoyed. Other symptoms include a loss of self-esteem, fatigue, problems with sleep, appetite, and difficulty concentrating.
A severely depressed person may have problems with hygiene, getting out of bed, and even going out. They may become isolated due to their mental health disorder.
Many people who suffer from depression have thoughts of harming themselves or suicide. If you or somebody you are considering suicide, it’s a medical emergency. Don’t leave somebody alone if they are feeling suicidal – take steps to get them somewhere safe, such as a hospital, until you have decided on a treatment option.
Do the Seasons Cause Depression?
Some people suffer from a specific type of depression that is associated with less sunlight exposure. This depression is called Seasons Depressive Disorder (SAD) and can make people feel particularly bleak during the winter months.
People with SAD can benefit from artificial light exposure, medication, and light therapy. During the spring months, people with SAD don’t usually have depression symptoms. They only experience symptoms during the “darker months.” Many people who suffer from depression already can have a worsening of symptoms during darker seasons.
Summer can also bring symptoms such as anxiety in a person who suffers from a mental health disorder.
Getting Help for Depression
There are many ways to recover from depression. Learning new coping techniques, building self-esteem, and adhering to treatment, including medication, can help people heal. People recover from depression, usually with the help of meds or talk therapy. People with SAD can benefit from a special type of light treatment that they use every day to help raise their mood. Usually, self-care such as exercise, meditation, and yoga can help battle depression.
Not every medication or treatment works for every person. Working closely with the help of a team of mental health professionals will help determine the best treatment options for an individual.
If you or somebody you love suffers from any depression, there is hope available. We can help you reclaim your life, cope with symptoms, and learn tools to treat your disorder. We offer a compassionate and safe place for you to learn new coping skills and begin to recover. Give us a call at 949-245-9812 to learn more about your options. We’re here for you every step of the way.
