Depression

Those who suffer from clinical depression are likely to experience a range of more specific symptoms than mere sadness. Symptoms of clinical depression are known to last for long periods of time, and they are severe enough to interfere with employment, family and social life, as well as romantic relationships.

Depression, also known as clinical depression, or major depressive disorder, is a mental health condition that results in constant feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and worthlessness within clients. It is normal to go through sad periods in one’s lifetime, but clinical depression is more than just feeling down. Unfortunately, the common advice to “cheer up” or “just be happy” is insufficient in dealing with the complexities of clinical depression. At Excel, we recognize that it’s a legitimate medical condition and, as such, requires compassionate and professional intervention.

Symptoms of Depression

Some of the physical symptoms include:

Fatigue
Irregular sleep schedule, insomnia, trouble getting out of bed in the morning
Frequent depressive episodes including crying or sobbing
Panic attacks
Shakiness, agitation, and restlessness

Sudden unexplained physical discomfort or pain
Weight gain or weight loss brought on by a change in appetite
Moving and speaking more slowly than usual
Low sex drive

Some of the social symptoms include:

Extreme feelings of sadness
Feelings of guilt
Thoughts of worthlessness
Lack of motivation

Trouble concentrating
Inability to think optimistically
Recurring suicidal thoughts
Feeling anxious

Some of the psychological symptoms include:

Withdrawal from social activities
Social isolation and preferring to be alone
Losing interest in activities that were once a passion

Loss of productivity at work
Loss of productivity at work

Causes

Clinical depression can be triggered by a number of different events or circumstances over the course of a lifetime. Depression can be caused by the imbalance of the levels of three particular neurotransmitters, dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine. There are also a number of other factors that can contribute to clinical depression, such as:

Having a history of depression within your family

It is not known what particular gene causes depression, but it is understood that a history of clinical depression within a family can increase the likelihood of developing it.

Having a certain type of personality

Certain types of people are more prone to developing clinical depression, specifically people who suffer from low self-esteem or are very critical of themselves and their achievements. These personality traits may be inherited or developed early on life due to external forces.

Postnatal depression

Some women develop clinical depression after giving birth, due to the severity of the shifting hormones in their body, as well as the increased responsibility of a child.

Feelings of isolation

Feeling lonely and isolating yourself from family and friends, as well as missing out on responsibilities such as school or work, can contribute to clinical depression.

Substance abuse

Abusing drugs and alcohol can contribute to clinical depression, especially due to the changing levels of neurotransmitters in the brain as a result of substance use. Since drugs and alcohol affect the chemistry of the brain, it is not recommended to abuse them if you suffer from clinical depression.

Treating Clinical Depression

There are different levels of treatment suggested for different levels of depression. Those with mild depression are encouraged to improve their diet, exercise regularly, look into self-help media, and spend more time in the sun. If symptoms persist or worsen, there are other options worth exploring.

We understand the severity of this mental health disorder and approach it with the same level of care as we would a substance use disorder. Clinical depression can be caused by a wide variety of factors, which can both be biological or environmental. Our priorities in treating clinical depression are understanding the root causes of this disorder so that we can address this with a bespoke recovery package.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive behavioral therapy is a talk therapy that involves meeting regularly with a mental health professional to discuss your circumstances. The hope is that discussing your issues in a judgement free environment will assist you in overcoming those issues. Therapies such as this are ideal for people who suffer from mild to severe depression and clients often report feeling a positive difference after just a couple of sessions.

Antidepressants

Medication is usually reserved for clients who suffer from moderate to severe depression. There are many different options for antidepressants, but they must be prescribed by a doctor after being diagnosed with clinical depression. The effects usually take several weeks to kick in, and there are side effects that can cause discomfort, which can cause some people to stop taking antidepressants or switch medications. Rest assured that our specialist clinical care team will ensure that you are fully versed in what to expect and will be on hand to support you in any way you may need. In rare cases, antidepressants cause symptoms of depression to worsen, so it is important to note any changes in your mood due to medication to a medical professional.

Call (877) 331-4114 and talk to an expert to learn more about medically assisted detox, one-on-one therapy, family support, and relapse prevention programs.

Important Resources

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The Importance of Family Participation During Treatment

Addiction is a disease that affects the whole family. Family members often feel the impact of addiction in a very real way, which can lead to feelings of anger, resentment, and frustration. While these emotions are natural, they can also be detrimental to one’s treatment if left unchecked.

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Depression

Symptoms of Depression

Causes