Depression

Depression is a common and serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think, and how you act. It causes feelings of sadness and/or a loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed. It can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems and can decrease your ability to function at work and at home.

Depression symptoms can vary from mild to severe and can include:

• Feeling sad or having a depressed mood
• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed
• Changes in appetite — weight loss or gain unrelated to dieting
• Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
• Loss of energy or increased fatigue
• Increase in purposeless physical activity (e.g., hand-wringing or pacing) or slowed movements and speech (actions observable by others)
• Feeling worthless or guilty
• Difficulty thinking, concentrating, or making decisions
• Thoughts of death or suicide

Several factors can play a role in depression:

• Biochemistry: Differences in certain chemicals in the brain may contribute to symptoms of depression.
• Genetics: Depression can run in families. For example, if one identical twin has depression, the other has a 70 percent chance of having the illness sometime in life.
• Personality: People with low self-esteem, who are easily overwhelmed by stress, or who are generally pessimistic appear to be more likely to experience depression.
• Environmental factors: Continuous exposure to violence, neglect, abuse, or poverty may make some people more vulnerable to depression.

Depression is among the most treatable of mental disorders. Between 80% and 90% percent of people with depression eventually respond well to treatment. Almost all patients gain some relief from their symptoms.

• Medication: Brain chemistry may contribute to an individual’s depression and may factor into their treatment. For this reason, antidepressants might be prescribed to help modify one’s brain chemistry.
• Psychotherapy: Also known as “talk therapy,” this treatment involves talking with a mental health professional. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an effective treatment for depression and is a focused, short-term therapy that helps individuals to identify and change negative thought patterns.
• Self-Help and Coping: There are a number of things people can do to help reduce the symptoms of depression. For many people, regular exercise helps create positive feelings and improve mood. Getting enough quality sleep on a regular basis, eating a healthy diet, and avoiding alcohol (a depressant) can also help reduce symptoms of depression.

At True Peace Recovery, we offer intensive outpatient care (IOP) specifically tailored for individuals struggling with depression. Our program includes personalized therapy sessions, support groups, and holistic approaches such as mindfulness and wellness activities. We are committed to helping you find true peace and recovery.

If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of depression, don't hesitate to reach out. Contact us today to learn more about our programs and how we can help.

Location: True Peace Recovery, Weymouth, Massachusetts 02188
Phone: 774-204-5654
Email: info@truepeacerecovery.com