What is Depression in Levittown & Garden City, NY?
Depression is a mood disorder characterized by chronic feelings of sadness and lack of interest in activities or things that were once enjoyable. Depression can have a significant impact on quality of life.
Causes of Depression
Depression can be caused by several factors including differences in brain chemicals, genetics, and individual personality traits. The environment can also have an impact on the development of depression. Exposure to neglect, abuse, poverty, or violence can increase the chances of developing depression.
Signs and Symptoms of Depression
According to the American Psychiatric Association, signs and symptoms of depression can include:
- Persistent feelings of sadness or depressed mood
- Loss of interest in things you once enjoyed
- Appetite changes, either eating more or less than usual
- Changes in sleep patterns, either sleeping too little or too much
- Lack of energy or increasing fatigue or malaise
- Feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, or guilt
- Inability to concentrate, focus, or make decisions
- Increase in purposeless activities like pacing or wringing of hands
- Thoughts of suicide or death
Types of Depression
There are several types of depression. The main types are:
- Anxious distress, which causes feelings of loss of control and excessive worry
- Mixed features, which have both depression and mania components
- Melancholic features, which is severe depression causing feelings of guilt or agitation
- Atypical features, which can cause sensitivity to rejection
- Psychotic features, which can cause delusions or hallucinations
- Peripartum onset, occurring during pregnancy or after delivery
- Seasonal pattern, which occurs during reduced sunlight exposure and seasonal changes
Depression Treatment
Professional treatment is recommended for depression. Your medical provider may prescribe:
- Medication therapy, including anti-depressants to enhance mood
- Psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy to help manage and reframe negative thoughts into more positive thoughts
- Group or family therapy to provide support and a feeling of belonging
- Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for individuals with major depression who are not responding to other treatments
- Lifestyle modification including exercise, dietary modifications, stress reduction techniques, and getting enough sleep to help minimize symptoms
Prevention of Depression
You can take steps to help prevent depression. Remember to:
- Control your stress by practicing stress reduction techniques like meditation, exercise, deep breathing, and yoga
- Ask for support from your family and friends when you are experiencing a crisis
- Seek treatment from your medical provider at the earliest sign of problems
How To Get Help
- Call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988 or use Lifeline Chat
- If you are a veteran or service member, press “1” for the Veterans Crisis Line or text 838255
- For Spanish language, call 1-888-628-9454
- Call your medical provider