Understanding Depression:
What Do You Need to Know?

You may casually say, “I’m depressed,” when you feel sad, however, this is not the same as clinical depression. Depression isn’t just passing sadness. Though feeling sad or down can be a symptom, clinical depression goes beyond that. Depression is a mental health condition that comes with a host of other symptoms, impacting your life in ways you may not have imagined. It can wreak havoc on your relationships, career, and even your emotional and physical well-being.

As overwhelming as depression can be, there is hope. Depression is treatable and it can go into remission. It can be difficult to find motivation when you are feeling depressed. Depression is powerful, but you are NOT powerless.

Depression: What Is It?

Clinical depression or major depressive disorder, according to the National Mental Health Institute (NMHI), is “a common but serious mood disorder … To be diagnosed with depression, the symptoms must be present for at least two weeks.” There are several types of depressive disorders to include, major depressive disorder, dysthymia, postpartum depression and seasonal affective disorder (SAD) to name a few.

Symptoms of depression can include:

  • Sad mood
  • Irritability
  • Decreased interest
  • Fatigue
  • Lowered motivation
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Appetite changes (overeating or under eating)
  • Difficulty making decisions
  • Feelings of worthlessness/hopelessness
  • Even thoughts of harming yourself

Symptoms of depression can vary by person, however, if any of the above sound familiar it can be wise to seek treatment with a licensed therapist and/or psychiatric professional.

How Can You Effectively Treat Depression?

If you are experiencing pervasive, intense, and overwhelming depressive symptoms, seek help from a skilled licensed therapist and psychiatric professional contracted with Carolina Counseling Services in Pittsboro, North Carolina. You aren’t alone, treatment is available.

Counseling can effectively treat most symptoms of depression. Therapy is often most effective in treating depression when used in conjunction with medication management. Medication isn’t for everyone, though it can be helpful in treating depressive symptoms for many.

Finding the provider that is right for you can feel overwhelming on a good day, even more complicated when you are experiencing depression. CCS makes it easy for you to find a therapist and prescriber that can help. Call today to schedule your first appointment.

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Jaime Johnson Fitzpatrick LCMHCS, LCAS is one of the Owners and Vice Presidents of Carolina Counseling Services. She is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor and Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist in the State of North Carolina as well as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in State of New York. Jaime is also certified in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and utilizes various other approaches in her practice.