What is depression?
Depression occurs when certain neurotransmitters in our brains fire, or attach, differently than they typically would. This causes us to feel low and experience a variety of physical, mental, and emotional symptoms. Depression is as unique as each person that experiences it.
Depression occurs when certain neurotransmitters in our brains fire, or attach, differently than they typically would. This causes us to feel low and experience a variety of physical, mental, and emotional symptoms. Depression is as unique as each person that experiences it.
Causes of depression
There are many potential causes for depression. Since depression is part of the grief process, most of us will feel depressed after a breakup or after the loss of a loved one (including a pet). You may feel depressed during, or after, a significant illness. Some people feel depressed their entire lives, with only brief moments of happiness or calm. Others may only get depressed in the winter time. This is often referred to as SAD- seasonal affective disorder. Women can experience postpartum depression after giving birth to a child and their partners, or other family members, may feel depressed during this time as well. You might be noticing a trend here. Often depression occurs during, or after, a significant life event.
There are many potential causes for depression. Since depression is part of the grief process, most of us will feel depressed after a breakup or after the loss of a loved one (including a pet). You may feel depressed during, or after, a significant illness. Some people feel depressed their entire lives, with only brief moments of happiness or calm. Others may only get depressed in the winter time. This is often referred to as SAD- seasonal affective disorder. Women can experience postpartum depression after giving birth to a child and their partners, or other family members, may feel depressed during this time as well. You might be noticing a trend here. Often depression occurs during, or after, a significant life event.
Signs and symptoms of depression
There are many types of depression. Also, the signs and symptoms of depression can look different for different people. Here are some questions you might want to ask yourself if you think you might be dealing with depression:
Do I feel sad all the time? Most days?
Can I focus on what am I supposed to do?
How often am I eating?
How often am I sleeping?
Am I crying a lot?
Am I wishing I was dead? Or thinking of killing myself?
Do I feel hopeless? Or helpless?
Am I interested in the things I usually enjoy?
Treatment for depression - How we can help
Dealing with depression can be challenging. We are here to help. We will never try to simply “cheer you up.” Instead we will do our best to understand what you are experiencing, and offer you tools to get you feeling better.