Depression

Depression Support Services in New York, NY

Depression is a common mood disorder that can cause serious symptoms in many individuals. These symptoms often make daily activities a difficult struggle and require proper diagnosis and treatment from a specialized mental health professional.

Common Symptoms of Depression

Many people generalize depression as a lingering feeling of sadness, but it can include many specific symptoms, such as:

  • Anxiety
  • Loss of interest in enjoyed activities
  • Tearfulness
  • Feeling hopeless
  • Frequent thoughts of death or suicide
  • Intense fatigue
  • Difficulty in remembering things or concentrating
  • Trouble sleeping or excessive sleeping
  • Fixating on life problems or past failures
  • Increased irritability
  • Feelings of guilt
  • Sudden anger
  • Slowed speech and/or body movements
  • Changes in appetite
  • Physical discomforts like back pain or recurring headaches

Not every individual will experience symptoms of depression in the same way. These unique variances may include several of the symptoms listed above, which can range in severity from one person to another. To be officially diagnosed with depression, an individual must experience symptoms consecutively for at least two weeks.

The Different Types of Depression

Depression can be characterized in several unique ways, including five primary forms of this disorder.

Postpartum Depression

Many women experience mild depressive symptoms in the first few weeks after delivering a child, but postpartum depression is a more serious form of this common “baby blues.” Women with postpartum depression may experience symptoms of extreme sadness, fatigue, and anxiety while pregnant or soon after giving birth.

Persistent Depressive Disorder

Also known as dysthymia, persistent depressive disorder is a mood disorder that lasts for a period of two years or more. During this time, individuals with persistent depressive disorder are likely to experience varying intensities in their symptoms, leading them to battle severe depression at some moments and mild symptoms at others.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

This particular subtype of depression causes depressive symptoms to frequently occur during winter months when less sunlight is available during the day. Symptoms typically subside or lessen as the months progress into spring and summer seasons, but are likely to return once winter approaches.

Psychotic Depression

Psychotic depression can occur when a person experiences psychosis, which is usually caused by a deeply disturbing revelation or delusion. This serious condition is often associated with equally serious symptoms and should be treated as soon as possible.

Causes and Risk Factors

There is no exact cause of depression, and this mood disorder may arise at any age. Most often, depression is first diagnosed in early adulthood and may be influenced by the following factors:

  • Family history of depression
  • Major trauma or personal stress
  • Related medical problems or serious illness

Park Psychological Services’ Approach to Treating Depression

Just as symptoms can vary significantly in different people with depression, so too can recommended treatment options. Psychotherapy is often a primary form of treatment and may involve a range of techniques aimed at understanding emotions, improving coping mechanisms, and building emotional resilience.

At Park Psychological Services, our experienced psychotherapists provide therapy to help individuals manage depression. While we do not have a psychiatrist on staff to prescribe medication, we can refer you to a trusted psychiatrist if medication is deemed necessary for your treatment.

To determine what course of treatment is best for you, discuss your symptoms with one of our therapists. Recommendations from Park Psychological Services may change later on if initial solutions begin to lose their effectiveness or if you experience sudden bouts of more severe symptoms. Fortunately, even these more drastic cases can be managed with professional care.

Working with a Mental Health Professional for Depression

Working with a psychotherapist can provide individuals with valuable tools and strategies to navigate depression, understand their emotional responses, and improve mental well-being. Psychotherapy offers a space to explore life’s challenges, stressors, and negative thought patterns in a safe and supportive environment.

If you’re ready to take the next step in managing your mental health, reach out to Park Psychological Services. Our experienced therapists are here to support you as you work toward recovery and long-term well-being.