Depression

Depression is a very complex and common mental health condition that many people experience at all stages of life. Depression is more than just periods of sadness, and different than grief, but can be all-encompassing and disrupt even the simplest of every day life tasks.


Image of woman looking out the window

Common Emotional Symptoms of Depression:

  • Persistent Sadness or Hopelessness: You may feel like you've lost hope or can't seem to feel a deep sadness that will not let up.

  • Loss of Interest or Pleasure: You may notice that the things that used to bring you pleasure like social activities, hobbies, sex, or food no longer do , and that you barely seek them out anymore.

  • Feelings of Worthlessness or Guilt: You may have intense feelings of worthlessness, or guilty feelings at inappropriate times.

  • Irritability or Intense Anger: You may notice that you're easily irritated or disproportionately angry by things that are seemingly small.

  • Anxiety: Yes, anxiety and depression can exist simultaneously! You may notice you’re worrying more, feeling restless, or on edge.

  • Suicidal Ideation: You may have thoughts about suicide, a plan, intent, or even attempt(s). Even thoughts of death or suicide should be worked through with a therapist.

Common Physical Symptoms of Depression:

  • Fatigue: You may experience tired feelings, even when getting enough sleep. Sometimes it can even be difficult to gather the energy to complete daily tasks.

  • Sleep Issues: You may notice a change in your sleep patterns. Often, depression is associated with sleeping too much, but there can often be difficulty falling asleep, nightmares, and staying asleep.

  • Changes in Appetite: Depression can present as significantly increased or decreased appetite. Significant weight changes in either direction can be noted among a cluster of other symptoms.

  • Increased Distraction: Since feelings of hopelessness and helplessness are common feelings among those suffering from depression, distraction may increase, and making decisions or focusing might be more difficult.

  • Unexplained Physical Symptoms: You might report headaches, back pain, digestive issues (IBS), jaw pain (TMJ) or other kinds of chronic pain that cannot be explained by one clear cause.

Having one or a cluster of these symptoms does not necessarily mean you have depression. These might be from normal and temporary reactions to life stressors. The distinction being the level of severity and distress to your life. and a presence of at least two weeks for there to be a diagnosis of major depressive disorder (MDD).

Depression is treatable. At West Therapy Group, we provide long-term depth work. We are psychodynamically-oriented therapists which means that we work together to bring what's under the surface (subconscious) into consciousness. We look at how your world has shaped you, the relationships you have, and the decisions you make. This can ease symptoms of depression over time. Being depressed doesn't necessarily mean you need to take medication. If you are already working with a medication provider, though, we are happy to begin a dialogue with them to discuss your treatment.