Understanding Depression: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options

ByGabriele Hilberg

If someone you know or you yourself have recently received a diagnosis of depression, it can be difficult to know what steps to take next. The initial step in managing any mental health condition is to begin educating yourself on important aspects such as symptoms, causes, and treatment options. By researching these topics, you can gain a better understanding of the condition, identify triggers, and determine (with the help of a therapist) the most appropriate treatment. 

To help you begin the process, here is a brief overview of the symptoms of depression, what causes it, and how the condition can be treated. 

What are the Symptoms of Depression?

closeup photo of a woman

Depression dramatically hinders a person’s life. While the list of its effects is extensive, we’ll highlight three common ones for the sake of brevity. These symptoms are feelings of hopelessness, anxiety, and isolation.

Feeling Continuous Hopelessness

Depression is a debilitating mood disorder. It can lead to prolonged periods of loss of interest and pleasure in activities that were once enjoyable. The inability to derive pleasure from things that were once cherished can make one feel hopeless and helpless.  As time passes, an individual may start to believe that this state of mind is permanent. This way of thinking makes it difficult to see any possibility of improvement.  Which often causes the cycle of depression to continue.

Anxiety

Frequently, depression and anxiety are considered to be intertwined with each other. When an individual is persistently experiencing feelings of hopelessness and is unable to find a way out, it creates the ideal environment for anxiety to take hold. The person may encounter symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, sweaty palms, and/or difficulty relaxing.

Isolation

Depression can feel like a “snowball effect.” It often starts with prolonged periods of hopelessness, loss of passion for things that were once loved, and ongoing anxiety. Those who experience depression often don’t want their loved ones to see them in this state. Therefore, they may start canceling plans more frequently. Self-isolation is often a sign that depression has taken over.

What Causes Depression?

Depression is a condition that can have varying underlying causes. It could be triggered by a chemical imbalance in the brain, the loss of a loved one, a traumatic experience, or any other emotionally distressing situation.  The causes of depression can vary, as it is specific to the person. This is why it is crucial to figure out and treat the specific details causing the depression.

What are My Treatment Options for Depression?

If an individual is diagnosed with depression, it is important for them to seek professional assistance from a trained depression therapist. A depression therapist can assist in identifying the underlying causes of the issue and help the person determine the most effective course of action. 

While medication may be suggested by the therapist, there are also alternative methods for treating depression. These may include mindfulness practices, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and other grounding techniques

  • Mindfulness can help individuals recognize their depression and identify the triggers that lead to it. 
  • CBT focuses on positive thinking and fostering a more constructive self-image. 
  • Grounding techniques help individuals stay focused on the present moment and see the reality of situations that are causing stress. 

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Living with depression can be a harrowing experience. However, it’s important to remember that managing depression is possible, and educating yourself on the condition is the first step to improving your life.

With the proper tools and support, you can keep depression at bay. If you would like to learn more about depression, its symptoms, and effective strategies for managing it, feel free to contact me.