Depression is more than just feeling low. It’s a medical illness that affects people of all demographics and ages. It’s important to remember that poor mental health isn’t something you have to deal with alone; there’s help out there!
Everyone experiences occasional symptoms of depression, such as depressed mood, loss of interest, and low self-esteem. But, when these symptoms are persistent for weeks or months, or become extreme, they could indicate a more serious mental health condition.
*If this is an emergency, please call 911 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.
There are many risk factors for developing depression. As with many other medical conditions, family history plays a role in whether or not a person is likely to develop depression. However, there are several other external factors that increase the chances of becoming depressed, as well (for example, the death or loss of a family member). Feelings of sadness are a normal part of the grieving process, but if these feelings worsen or last a long time, they may become clinically significant.
Major life events can also be a cause of depression, whether they’re positive or negative. An employment change, moving, divorce, or having a baby affect many aspects of life. These changes, although positive, are a disruption to current routines and structures.
Substance use also leads to depression. Some people abuse substances when they are at their low points to feel better; others spark symptoms of depression from their substance or alcohol use.
If you or a loved one is looking for help with depression, call one of our locations specializing in mental health services. Our compassionate team is trained in evidence-based therapy that can make a difference, allowing you to feel heard and understood.
Boardman Office
8255 South Avenue
Youngstown, OH 44512
Phone: 330-797-0070
Howland Office
1950 Niles-Cortland Rd, NE
Warren, OH 44484
Phone: 330-797-0070
Meridian Campus
527 North Meridian Road
Youngstown, OH 44509
Phone: 330-797-0070
People experience depression differently. Afterall, there are many forms of depression, severity levels, and personal experiences. Published by the American Psychiatric Association, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders fact sheet (DSM-5) lists mental disorders and their signs, used by mental health professionals to diagnose and treat mental illness.
When a person experiences symptoms of depression every day for over two weeks, that is a sign of major depressive disorder (MDD), also referred to as major depression or clinical depression.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD) – also known as dysthymia – is chronic depression that lasts for at least two years. Throughout this time, PDD can range from mild to severe depression symptoms.
While symptoms of PDD might not be as severe as major depression, they linger for an extensive period of time.
Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder marked by periods of depressed moods followed by happy moods (mania). During their low moods, people with bipolar disorder can experience major depressive episodes similar to clinical depression.
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a major depressive disorder that occurs during the winter months due to the change in the amount of direct sunlight. The prevalence of seasonal affective disorder is much higher in regions further from the equator.
Postpartum depression is more than its nickname, “the baby blues.” Because of the amount of hormones released in the body during pregnancy and childbirth, new mothers often experience symptoms of depression in the perinatal period.
Postpartum depression can be extremely serious, lasting for weeks or months.
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is when women experience symptoms of depression at the start of and during their menstrual period. PMDD is similar to premenstrual syndrome (PMS) but with more severe physical symptoms.
Mental disorders affect more than just emotions; physical symptoms often arise when a mental illness is present. The first step to treating depression is to notice the signs.
If you or a loved one notice these symptoms, seek out a mental health care provider like Meridian HealthCare to work through the treatment options that will be most effective.
*Call 911 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 if this is an emergency.
Treatment of depression comes in many forms and often depends on the individual and their symptoms. Commonly, treatment options combine medication and therapy. Mental health professionals can evaluate symptoms to determine a specialized treatment plan.
Medications like antidepressants or SSRIs provide serotonin to those with low amounts in their system. While these medications often reduce physical symptoms, they may have side effects of their own.
Medication may help with physical symptoms, but alone they cannot treat depression; counseling aids in the long-term issues associated with a mental disorder. Types of therapy that are used in the treatment of depression include psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), psychiatry, and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) — to name a few.
Meridian HealthCare has been helping people with mental conditions like depression, anxiety disorders, substance abuse disorder, and more for decades.
If you or a loved one is struggling with depression, Meridian is just a phone call away. When you’re ready, so are we!
Get Help Now: 330-797-0070
*Call 911 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 if this is an emergency.
