Everyone feels sad or “down” every once in a while — it’s a normal emotion that usually goes away or gets better with time. Although it’s okay to feel depressed, if your negative feelings are interfering with your daily life or causing you to resort to unhealthy coping mechanisms, it’s time to get help.
Depression is one of the most common mental health disorders in America, but it can have multiple causes and a wide variety of symptoms. Because of this, depression is really only an umbrella term for what is actually a variety of unique mood disorders. Understanding the type of depression you have can be instrumental in helping you to manage triggers, avoid destructive behaviors, and improve symptoms.
At Blair Wellness Group of Beverly Hills, we will not only help you identify the type of depression you have, but we will also create a personalized treatment plan that will help you feel more in control of your emotions. If you’re looking for depression treatment in Beverly Hills, please give us a call to schedule an appointment.
Causes of Depression
Depression can be caused by various biological, environmental, and psychological factors, including:
- Genetic predisposition
- Brain chemistry
- Side effects of some medications
- Certain medical conditions
- Live events
- Personality
For most people, depression isn’t caused by one specific thing, but rather a combination of factors that are further influenced by our complex brain chemistry.
Types of Depression
There are many different forms of depression. The following is a list of some of the most common.
Persistent Depressive Disorder
This chronic condition refers to a low mood that has lasted for at least two years. Although symptoms are not typically as intense as those associated with major depressive disorder, persistent depressive order can still affect your daily life, relationships, and more. Symptoms usually include a lack of energy, trouble concentrating, and changes in eating or sleeping habits.
Major Depressive Disorder
Also known as major or classic depression, people with this severe form of depression typically experience debilitating, all-consuming symptoms most days of the week. Symptoms often include a loss of interest in activities once enjoyed, changes in sleeping and eating habits, and feelings of guilt and hopelessness, among other things.
Seasonal Affective Disorder
This type of depression usually occurs during the winter months when there is less sunlight. Symptoms start out mild and become more severe as the season progresses. Symptoms are similar to other forms of depression, although they are usually less severe. The most common include low energy, a lack of interest, and social withdrawal.
Postpartum Depression
People often confuse this type of depression with a milder form known as “the baby blues”. While it’s fairly common for new mothers to experience mild depressive symptoms, those who have been diagnosed with postpartum depression experience feelings of extreme anxiety and sadness for up to a year after giving birth, and they can affect their ability to perform regular care activities.
Bipolar Disorder
Originally named manic depression, bipolar disorder is known for its alternating episodes of mania (high energy) and depression. During the manic episodes, people feel happy and energetic, often accomplishing things at high speed. However, when a depressive episode takes over, they are consumed by sadness, fatigue, and have no interest in doing things that they normally enjoy.
Get Depression Treatment in Beverly Hills, Irvine, and Newport Beach
No matter what type of depression you struggle with, it’s important to get the personalized treatment you deserve. At Blair Wellness Group, we offer a unique approach to depression treatment for maximum effectiveness in the shortest amount of time. Call us to learn more at 310.999.4996.
