Many people think depression is about feeling sad. However, it can encompass a whole host of symptoms. Surprisingly, sadness is not required! Learn more about depression and depression treatment in Towson below.
Depression can present in many ways but symptoms can be thought of as cognitive, physical, and emotional. Depression treatment can target any or all of the symptoms.
Symptoms of Depression
Cognitive Symptoms of Depression
Depression can result in “thoughty thinking” or “stinkin’ thinkin’” . Women experiencing depression can get stuck on one thought or line of thought–this is called rumination. Usually, it’s not a pleasant thought, lol. Oftentimes the thought perpetuates the poor feelings as well. Furthermore, it is easy to start creating more negative stories around these thoughts, further pulling you down.
Indecisiveness is another symptom of depression. Sometimes, women think that means making big decisions. It is normal to have some indecisiveness around major life decisions like switching jobs or buying a house. However, the indecision with depression is sully around smaller things. This could mean having trouble deciding what to wear or what to make for lunch. Furthermore, women do the bulk of the mental load. Therefore, it’s common to already be overwhelmed by meal planning and shopping.
Avolition is the lack of motivation. It’s not the same as fatigue. With avolition, you have the energy to do things, you simply can’t get yourself moving. It may feel like moving through mud. Simple tasks like washing the dishes or larger work projects may be affected.
Lastly, poor concentration is a common symptom of depression. In fact, some women think they have ADHD instead of depression. Of course, it’s possible to have both but giving ADHD medication when you actually have depression won’t help the root problem.
Physical Symptoms of Depression
Physical symptoms of depression include fatigue, insomnia or oversleeping, muscle tension, nausea, constipation, and appetite changes. Contrary to popular belief, a lot of people actually stop eating when depressed. This has to do with anhedonia (we’ll cover that below) as well as possible gut changes with different levels of Serotonin. You have more serotonin , one of the neurotransmitters involved with depression in your gut than anywhere else in your body. This is why you may feel gastrointestinal symptoms with depression but also with antidepressant use.
Emotional Symptoms of Depression
These are the symptoms people most commonly associate with depression. They include irritability, sad mood, guilt, hopelessness, helplessness, low self esteem, and anhedonia. Anhedonia is the loss of pleasure or interest in things. You have probably heard that question on direct to consumer medication advertisements.
To be clear, in order to have a clinical diagnosis of depression (aka as major Depressive Disorder), you must endorse either sad mood or anhedonia plus a quorum of the other symptoms. However, oftentimes it is the other symptoms that cause more distress or dysfunction in daily life.
Treatment for Depression
Fortunately, women in Towson, MD as well as all of Maryland and everywhere have some great resources for treatment for depression. These include medications for depression, counseling (therapy), supplements, and lifestyle modifications. Moreover, if you are stuck in a bad job or relationship that no longer serves you, you may need to make changes to truly treat your depression.
Medication Treatment for Depression
You can read more about medication for depression here and here. However, in brief, there are several classes of medication commonly used to treat depression. They include Selective Serotonins Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRis), Selective Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRis), Wellbutrin, Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAS), and mood stabilizers. When these fail, sometimes second generation antipsychotics (SGA) can be used as well. Medications work best in conjunction with therapy.
It is important to find a provider who can really work with you to find the right medication at the right dose for you. Many of these medications do have side effects. However, not everyone will experience them. Furthermore, sometimes what some people perceive as a side effect, might just mean you’re feeling better. For example, if appetite loss is a symptom of depression, you might gain weight after starting an antidepressant because you are hungry again.
Therapy for Depression in Towson
Therapy, sometimes referred to as counseling, is a well evidenced treatment for depression. There are numerous types of therapy. They range from stereotypical talk therapy to nature therapy and art therapy. The most important aspect of therapy is your relationship with their therapist. No therapy will be effective if you feel uncomfortable with their therapist.
It can take several attempts to find the right style and therapy for you. It is 100% ok to “interview “ therapists. This means having four or five sessions and then deciding if you will stay with them. The first one or two sessions may be more about gaining information about you. However, after five sessions, you should have a feeling that you are starting to make progress or that something isn’t right. It is ok to bring up your concern with the therapist. We are used to this! Perhaps they may have a different style they can use. Sometimes, it is simply not a good match.
Supplements
There are several supplements that can help with depression. Vitamin D is one of the most well known. Most people in North America could benefit form a supplement. However, it is always prudent to get your level tested. If it is below 50, consider a supplement, if it is below 30 you should absolutely supplement.
St. John’s Wort has good evidence supporting it for depression . However it can interact with many medications so be sure to tell your provider you are taking it. It is not safe to take during pregnancy.
Omega 3 supplements are also well supported scientifically to help with depression. It is key to make sure the EPA:DHA in 2:1.
Lifestyle Changes
Depression can not be treated by just medication and therapy. What you eat, drink, and how you spend your time are all important factors, as well. Alcohol is a depressant. So, even if you feel more relaxed the moment you have a drink, it is actually making your mood worse. Additionally, it can interfere with sleep.
Proper sleep is essential for good mood. Sometimes, depression itself interferes with your ability to sleep. However, poor habits are also responsible for reduced sleep which then can further exacerbate mood issues.
Exercise is essential for many people. This is because you make a chemical called Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF). BDNF is stored in your skeleton muscles and released with activity. Some people need intense activity, others can release it with minimal movement. BDNF helps your brain function more efficiently.
Other mood zappers include endless scrolling on short video, engaging in meaningless activities or hanging out with negative friends. You know, those friends that never have anything positive to say about anything. I’m not suggesting that you can never provide support to friends. To that end, close friendships are so important for mental health. However, there is a big difference between relationships that feed you and those that drain you. You can learn more about that here.
Work and Marriage
Most of us spend the bulk of our time at work. If your job is unfulfilling at best or toxic at worst, managing mood will be tough. This does not mean to quit your job. However, you must take steps to make it more fulfilling or healthy if you expect your mood to improve. Sometimes, getting help through medication and therapy, improves your ability to make those changes.
Marriage (or long term relationships) play a critical role in our mental health. Anyone in a long term relationship knows there can be tough periods. However, if on the whole, you don’t feel supported or connected to your partner, then your mental health will suffer. Put simply, we can not medicate away a bad marriage.
Depression can be overwhelming. It can interfere in our social and work lives as well as prevent us from feeling our best. Fortunately, there are many options for Depression Treatment in Towson. Whether you choose therapy or medication or supplements, there are options. Don’t suffer alone, get help now.
About the Author: Sharon P. Fisher is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and founder of Nurtured Well, a boutique women’s mental health practice in Towson, MD.