Depression can be an incredibly debilitating disorder that can profoundly affect a patient’s life for the worse. For those struggling with this condition, it is crucial to find the best depression therapist Orange County, CA, who can help to overcome symptoms, providing the guidance and support necessary.
Not having suffered from depression before doesn’t imply anyone is immune to it. Depression could affect anyone directly or indirectly, through family or friends, and the odds are only increasing.
The government of California acknowledges that adult depression rates in 2021-2022 are at 17.8%, up from 11.8% in 2012. The best way to manage depression is to identify it as early as possible.
The sooner someone recognizes the symptoms of depression, the sooner they can get help. Finding a therapist may seem daunting for some people. However, treatment for depression is available.
What Is Depression?
The National Institute of Mental Health describes depression as a mental disorder that affects how one feels, thinks, and behaves.
From its description and some commonly placed knowledge, it’s easy, to sum up depression as a feeling of sadness or hopelessness that lingers for an extended period.
Understanding the Physiology of Depression?
Depression creeps up when the brain is overwhelmed by stress, trauma, and other factors. It’s also believed that depression occurs due to an imbalance of neurotransmitters in the brain, like serotonin and dopamine.
Neurotransmitters are chemicals in the brain that help regulate moods, energy levels, and behavior.
Harvard Health Publishing explains that a decrease in serotonin can lead to changes in behavior and mood, which are symptoms of depression.
The publication further stresses that it’s not only chemical imbalances that cause depression but also other triggers, such as
- Stress
- Trauma
- Genetics
- Hormonal changes
- Nutritional deficiencies
What Are The Signs and Symptoms of Depression?
Depression is not an outright physiological symptom, but it manifests through physical and emotional symptoms. Depressive symptoms and behaviors build up gradually, making it difficult to recognize the disorder in its early stages.
Common symptoms of depression include:
- Low energy
- Reduced libido
- Fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating
- Feelings of worthlessness
- Changes in appetite
- Constipation
- Sleep disturbances
- Suicidal thoughts
- Mood swings
How to Identify Depression
Paying attention keenly to the symptoms of depression is a vital step in taking control of mental health. It’s also crucial to understand that depression does not discriminate and can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, nationality, or race.
Denial is a significant setback to managing depression, which is why most individuals don’t seek help. It’s essential to become aware of the symptoms and get the right treatment as soon as possible if a patient or their loved ones is showing signs of depression.
Examples of People with Depression
1. Tom, the Team Captain
Tom is a college student who recently became the team captain of his soccer team. On the surface, he appears to have it all:
- A great job
- Supportive friends and family
- A promising future ahead of him
Tom and his friends don’t notice at first when he starts coming late or practicing or missing out totally. They figure his sick daughter has been keeping him up late, but his true struggle is depression.
Tom feels overwhelmed by the stress of being a team captain and caring for his sick daughter. He has started to feel helpless and worthless, causing him to become increasingly apathetic toward his responsibilities.
2. Marie the Artist
Marie is a freelance artist who works from home. She loves her job and feels passionate about her artwork, but recently she’s been having issues completing her projects on time or at all.
Marie has been struggling with depression. She feels like she’s not good enough and that her work won’t ever get appreciation. She constantly doubts herself, leading to sleep deprivation and anxiety.
Her friend Marcy visits her and finds she’s been ripping up all her latest paintings before completing them, and her apartment is becoming filthier by the day. Marcy is rightfully worried; she’s familiar with the downward spiral of depression.
3. John, the Estranged Loner
Not all loners are depressed, but how could anyone tell if John is? John works at a high-tech startup but rarely talks to anyone outside of work. He never spends time with his coworkers or friends, preferring to stay in and watch Netflix in the evenings instead.
John is normally introverted, even when happy. How could anyone tell if he became depressed? Well, depression also impacts the social-work balance of loners, and changes can be noticeable to keen observers.
For instance, depression could cause John to become even more reclusive, isolating himself from others and avoiding social events. His work performance and dedication could also fluctuate, resulting in him coming in late or missing work altogether.
When to Look for Treatment
It helps to seek help from a professional therapist immediately if a loved one experiences any of the above symptoms. People can also seek guidance from their primary care doctor if they have concerns about their mental health. A professional can help diagnose mental health conditions and recommend effective treatment.
It can be difficult for patients and their family members alike to recognize depression, but learning about the signs can help identify it before it spirals further out of control. People with mental illness may be reluctant to seek therapy. However, starting therapy early on can be beneficial for the treatment of the condition.
What to Look for in a Therapist
Depression is a physiological condition that requires managed medication and cognitive and behavioral therapy. Therefore, it is essential to look for a professional therapist that specializes in treating depression when seeking treatment.
Some factors to consider are the mental therapist:
- Experience
- Approach
- Credentials
Therapy for depression varies with individual needs, and excellent mental therapists will start by evaluating a patient’s wholesome mental health. The goal is to identify the root cause of the depression and create a personalized treatment plan.
People can choose many types of therapy, and therapists may specialize in certain types of therapy. Talk therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy CBT tend to be common when treating depression and other mental health conditions. Some treatment options may include individual therapy as well as support group therapy sessions.
Seeking Treatment in Orange County
Moment of Clarity specializes in mental health, and we’re the best avenue for finding the right depression therapist Orange County, CA, can offer. Personalized therapy is the key to success, and our mental health professionals are dedicated to helping.
Our therapists will work with patients in a safe environment to identify the root cause of the depression, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and craft an individualized treatment plan that fits their needs.
We understand how difficult it can be to reach out for help. Still, we encourage everyone with depressive symptoms to take the first step toward recovery today. Get in touch with us for more information about our services.
We look forward to helping Orange County folks return to healthy, balanced lifestyles again.
