What is Depression?

Everyone feels low sometimes, but depression, also known as Major Depressive Disorder, is a serious mental health condition that impacts the person’s emotions and thinking and interferes with their ability to function in life.

Most importantly, know that you are not alone. Depression is the most common mental health disorder with one in six people experiencing depression at some point in their life. It is most likely to first appear in the late teens to middle twenties, and women and LGBTQIA+ members are more likely to be diagnosed with depression. At The Resilience Center of Houston, we offer depression therapy and treatments in Houston to help you regain your life back. For more information about our Houston Depression Therapists, contact us today.

What are the Risk Factors for Depression?

• A family history of depression

• Trauma

• Poverty

• Lack of social support

• Major negative life changes

What are the Symptoms of Depression?

• Sadness

• Worthlessness

• Hopelessness

• Difficulty concentrating

• Trouble making decisions

• Lack of motivation

• Lack of energy or slowed down movement or speech

• Weight loss, weight gain, change in appetite

• Increased or decreased sleep

• Changes in sexual desire or performance

• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed (anhedonia)

• Restlessness or irritability

• Memory and thinking problems (pseudodementia)

• Hallucinations or delusions

• Thoughts of death or suicide

How is Depression Diagnosed?

A diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder is made by a mental health professional, like a Therapist, Psychologist, or Psychiatrist. The mental health professional will rule out other mental health conditions, like:

• Prolonged Grief Disorder

• Bipolar Disorder

• Schizoaffective Disorder

• Cyclothymic Disorder

• Persistent Depressive Disorder/Dysthymic Disorder

• Seasonal Affective Disorder

• Post-partum Depression (Peripartum Depression)

• Post-traumatic Stress Disorder

Patients should be examined by a medical doctor to rule out medical conditions with symptoms that may mimic depression, like:

• Vitamin deficiency

• Hypothyroidism

• Lyme Disease

• Parkinson’s Disease

• Sleep disorders

• Diabetes

• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

• Brain tumor

Is Depression Treatable?

Depression is highly treatable; 90% of people with depression respond to treatment and find some relief from symptoms. Our Houston depression therapists at The Resilience Center of Houston are skilled and will guide you through the treatments that are tailored to you.

How is Depression Treated?

Depression presents differently in every person, so treatment should be individualized for each person. It may take some trial and error to find the treatment that works best. These are common treatments for depression:

• Psychotherapy

• Behavior Modification, like exercise, socialization, and sleep training

• Medication

• Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)

When to Seek Help for Depression?

A person should consider seeking help for depression from a mental health professional when symptoms last at least 2 weeks, when symptoms are severe or highly distressing, or when symptoms get in the way of self-care or functioning at home, work, or school. A person should immediately contact 988 if having suicidal thoughts and call 911 or visit the nearest emergency room if presenting immediate harm to themselves or others. For more information on our Houston depression therapy and treatments, contact us today.

How Can I Help a Loved One Who Has Depression?

First, know that you are not responsible for your loved one’s happiness and cannot fix their problem for them. Instead, you may offer support through empathy, validation, and patience. Offering support may also include helping the person research and get access to mental health services, like finding a therapist, affording care, and figuring out transportation to treatment.

How do I Find a Therapist to Treat Depression?

The Resilience Center of Houston believes in the human capacity to overcome even the most difficult of circumstances. We have dozens of licensed therapists at several locations in greater Houston that specialize in the treatment of depression waiting to help. In-person and virtual counseling is available, and providers are in network with 30+ insurance companies. For a better tomorrow, contact us today for more information on our Houston depression therapy, treatment, & therapists .