Treatment for Depression in Kent, WA
In life, we can expect to have ups and downs, and there will be times that we feel sadness. Feeling sad is a normal part of life. However, Depression is more than feeling sad. Depression is a common but serious mood disorder, that interferes with our daily lives and our ability to function.
There are several different types of depressive disorders and these can be caused by genetics, brain biology/chemistry (underlying medical condition), environment, and stressful life events. Depression can cause severe symptoms that impact how you feel, think, and engage in daily activities.
If you have experienced any of these symptoms for at least two weeks, you may be suffering from depression:
Regular exercise can help manage depression symptoms.
- Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood
- Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness
- Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities
- Decreased energy, fatigue, being “slowed down”
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions
- Difficulty sleeping, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping
- Appetite and/or weight changes
- Thoughts of death or suicide, suicide attempts
- Restlessness, irritability
- Persistent physical symptoms
Depression can be treated.
Most common treatments for depression include medication, psychotherapy (a combination of both), and/or lifestyle change. It is important to note, that no two people are affected the exact same way. Depression affects people differently, and it may take time to determine which treatment works best for you.
I can offer support with:
COGNITIVE-BEHAVIORAL THERAPY (CBT): CBT can help an individual with depression change negative thinking. It can help you interpret your environment and interactions in a positive, realistic way. It may also help you recognize things that may be contributing to the depression and help you change behaviors that may be making the depression worse.
LIFESTYLE CHANGE: Lifestyle change such as exercise, nutrition, sleep and stress reduction can be a simple but powerful tools for managing symptoms of depression.
If you are in need of immediate assistance, please call 911, or contact the 24-hour, toll-free confidential National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or go to www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org.