What You Need to Know About depression Treatment

What can you do when you're feeling depressed?

  DR. Michael Shery, clinical psycholoGY

2615 Three Oaks Rd, Ste. 2A,

  Cary, Illinois 60013

www.carypsychology.com 847 275 8236 (24 Hrs); drmike@carypsychology.com

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Doctoral degree: University of Southern California, 1975

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What You Need to Know About depression Treatment

What can you do when you're feeling depressed?

by Dr. Michael E. Shery, Clinical Psychologist

Depression treatment is very important because depression is a very serious mood disorder that can affect anyone. It is an illness that affects your body, mind, disposition, sleep and your thoughts; it can be caused by many factors, including genetic predisposition.

Have you been told that you have diagnosis of depression? Do your symptoms get in the way of living your life the way you want to? For example, do you feel a hopelessness or worthlessness?  Has the possibility of getting anxiety or depression treatment been lurking in the back of your mind?

Have you lost interest in pleasurable activities? Are you experiencing a lot of stress, intense sadness, loss of energy and burn-out? Are you having trouble concentrating and feeling a very low energy level?

When you are depressed it is very hard to think clearly or make decisions. It’s very hard to think of anything to do to help yourself. If you are feeling blue most of the time you should take a hard look. There are three main types of depression: major depression, manic-depression and dysthymic disorder.

Major depression is also referred to as unipolar depression and can interfere with a person’s ability to function. The patient often stays in an unpleasant sustained depression for some time. This type of depression can disrupt daily life, including social or occupational functioning.

A second type is manic-depression and is also known as bi-polar disorder. This type involves episodes of serious depression that alternates with episodes of mania (feeling high, amazing energy, fast paced, too many unrealistic ideas. Agitation, criticism and irritability may occur as well). This type can be extremely disruptive and because everyone can be moody at times. Therefore, the symptoms must be sufficiently severe that they cause serious impairment in occupational functioning or in relationships with others. With bi-polar disorder a person may display different symptoms during different periods.

The third type is a milder form of depression called dysthymic disorder which is the presence of a depressed mood almost every day for at least two years. This is a low-grade depression and can start in the early teen age years or later. Dysthymia may be accompanied by social aloofness, lack of assertiveness and even periods of more severe depression.

Recent research has shown that a combination of psychotherapy and medication is often the best depression treatment option. If depression is not treated it can get worse. The first step to obtaining treatment is to be sure that the patient has no medical conditions that have symptoms similar to depression.

Depression can express itself in physical symptoms…and a medical illness or certain medications can actually cause depressed feelings. In the former case, people may not be aware that they are depressed and do not understand why they are experiencing various physical symptoms. A skillful doctor can diagnose the true situation. At your initial visit provide a history of your present difficulties and other symptoms, family history, past medical problems that are significant..

Finding the right treatment is important. The choice of depression treatment varies with the kind and severity of your symptoms. If treatment is needed it is important to find out about the therapist’s qualifications. Having a trained therapist provide feedback can be very helpful in relieving depression. A therapist can help you gain insight into your problems.

The benefits of treatment include partial or complete remission of the symptoms of depression and reduction of pain and suffering. Treatment can enhance your general well-being. Other helpful strategies include learning all you can about depression. Educate yourself! It is important to express your feelings and accept them.

It is important to obtain an appropriate diagnosis and treatment if needed. Depression is not a character flaw or a sign of personal weakness. Depression is a treatable illness and be assured that with time and good care you will feel better. Involve your family members and friends. If there are community resources take advantage of them. There may be support groups in your area. Do not go through this alone. The best time to address depression is now as the sooner you receive treatment - the sooner you will feel better. Your life is waiting!

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