Understanding Depression

Symptoms:

Depressed mood:  feeling sad, tearful or "empty" Little interest or pleasure in activities (including sex) you used to enjoy Change in appetite or weight Sleeping much more or much less than usual Restlessness or decreased activity (psychomotor agitation or retardation) Fatigue or loss of energy Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt Difficulty concentrating or making decisions Thoughts of death or suicide

(Adapted from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, American Psychiatric Association, 1994)

 

Defining the Problem:

The general diagnosis of depression is made by using the list of nine symptoms shown above If you have experienced most or all of the above symptoms nearly every day for two weeks or more, you may be suffering from depression To define the causes of these symptoms, your therapist will need more information about your enviroment, family history and medical condition Defining the problem makes it possible to plan the best treatment for you

 

Treatment:

Together, you and your therapist should decide what you want to accomplish in the treatment of your depression Therapy for depression may involve "talk" therapy, antidepressant medication or a combination of the two "Talk" therapy involves meeting on a regular basis with a qualified psychotherapist to gain insight into stresses and how to handle them Antidepressant medication may be prescribed by your doctor to treat the biological aspect of your depression. Antidepressants can provide relief within 3-4 weeks.  If you are prescribed an antidepressant as part of your overall therapy, you should ask: How the medication works How long it takes before the medication has an effect What the posssible side effects are Antidepressant medications are not addictive and you should not fear "getting hooked" when the medication is taken as directed Treatment of depression can often be enhanced when your family is aware of the nature of your illness and treatment.  The everyday support and encouragement of loved ones can be very helpful Your therapist may suggest that members of your family participate in family therapy with you.  This should not be viewed as threatening, but as a positive step toward recovery It is very important to go to every appointment made with your therapist, even if you are feeling good that day Thorough treatment of depression is one of the best ways to avoid a recurrence The length of therapy will depend on the goals you have set and the severity of your depression

^{A Ray of Hope Counseling Center}
Susan Jakubowski, MSW, LCSW
347 North Pike Road
Sarver, PA  16055
Tel: (724)353-9900
Fax: (724)353-9901