Find A therapist In Los Angeles for depression
What is Depression?
Depression is a mood disorder that causes persistent feelings of sadness and loss of interest in once enjoyable activities. It can also lead to changes in sleep, appetite, energy levels, concentration, and self-esteem. Depression can be mild, moderate, or severe.
What Causes Depression?
The exact cause of depression is unknown, but it is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. Some of the possible causes of depression include:
Life events: Stressful life events, such as the death of a loved one, a job loss, or serious illness, can increase the risk of developing depression.
Genetics: Depression can run in families, suggesting that there may be a genetic component to the disorder.
Brain chemistry: Depression is thought to be caused by imbalances in certain brain chemicals, such as serotonin and norepinephrine.
Medical conditions: Some conditions, such as thyroid problems, heart disease, and cancer, can also lead to depression.
Substance abuse: Alcohol and drug abuse can contribute to depression.
Medications: Some medications, such as steroids and blood pressure medications, can cause depression as a side effect.
What are the Symptoms of Depression?
The symptoms of depression can vary from person to person, but they often include:
Persistent sadness or emptiness
Loss of interest or pleasure in once enjoyable activities
Changes in appetite (either increased or decreased)
Changes in sleep patterns (either increased or decreased)
Fatigue or loss of energy
Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
Thoughts of death or suicide
Changes in physical appearance (such as weight loss or gain)
Withdrawal from social activities
Feeling worthless or guilty
How is Depression Diagnosed?
A mental health professional diagnoses depression by conducting a mental health evaluation. It will likely include questions about your symptoms, medical history, and family history. The mental health professional may also ask you to complete a depression inventory.
How is Depression Treated?
There are a variety of treatment options available for depression, including:
Therapy: Talk Therapy can help you identify and change the thoughts and behaviors contributing to your depression. Many different types of therapy can be effective for depression, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy (IPT), and mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR).
Lifestyle changes: Making changes to your lifestyle can also help to improve your mood and reduce your symptoms of depression.
Medication: Antidepressants are the most common treatment for depression. They work by balancing the levels of certain brain chemicals.