Depression isn’t something that can be resolved with a self-help book. More than 264 million people of all ages suffer from depression around the world. It comes, often out of the blue, and puts individuals into difficult and confusing internal situations.
Our team at Steps For Change creates individualized treatment plans to give our clients the best opportunity at fighting their depression. To learn more about depression treatment in the Minneapolis area continue reading. Our experienced and caring therapists at Steps For Change can help with relieving your depression symptoms today.
Depression or Major Depressive Disorder is a common but very severe mood disorder. Oftentimes it is believed that there is a simple chemical imbalance in the brain where the individual isn’t getting enough serotonin or dopamine. A typical solution would be to take antidepressants or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
This fails to account for the fact that circumstances and experiences often contribute a great deal to cases of depression. In many cases, depression is the result of a few of these factors. To accurately treat an individual’s depression, the person has to take a look at numerous symptoms and types of depression.
Depression can take many forms. Some forms of depression are different than others, but it ultimately depends on the individual and their circumstances or experiences.
Some types of depression can include:
Symptoms of persistent depressive disorder include episodes of major depression along with less severe symptoms but symptoms have to last for two years to be considered persistent depressive disorder.
Most women might experience “baby blues” at one point during their pregnancy but postpartum depression is more than simply feeling sad after birth. Women with postpartum depression experience symptoms of major depression after giving birth. These feelings can include extreme sadness, anxiety, or exhaustion which make it difficult to care for the newborn.
While bipolar disorder is different from depression, those diagnosed with it experience severe low moods that meet the criteria for major depression. Individuals with bipolar disorder also experience manic episodes that include feeling euphoric or irritable.
The treatment of depression has come a long way, and there’s a good rate of success for people who seek treatment.
In most cases, treatment involves a combination of cognitive-behavioral therapy, medication, and adjustments to lifestyle. Individuals who are opposed to using anti-depressant medication might find similar benefits in shifts to their diet and the incorporation of exercise.
Counseling tends to be a central piece of the treatment of depression. Whether you engage in cognitive behavioral therapy or another form of talk therapy, counselors aim to give perspective on the things you’re feeling and explore ways to shift your mental space.
Medication can also be very effective in reestablishing healthy levels of serotonin in the brain. SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), and SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors) are the two primary medications used in the treatment of depression. There are a number of other medications that might be useful in each particular case.
They typically take a few weeks to make a significant difference in a person’s mood but offer lasting effects after that point.
Also, note that not all anti-depressant medications work for everyone. Some medications might have adverse effects on your mood, requiring an adjustment or shift to a different drug.
It’s important to work with a professional doctor or psychiatrist when choosing or seeking out different anti-depressant medications. Having a trained professional to check in with as you go through the process can help a great deal.
Some early side effects of anti-depressants can be difficult to manage, potentially making your symptoms a little worse for a time. That said, the right combination of counseling, lifestyle shifts, and medication can all but resolve your depression and leave you feeling as you once did.
Depression can be hard to understand and manage but we’re here to help. If you’ve never experienced depression before, you might be alarmed at how precise and intense the mental pain can be. If you do have a little experience, you know that the path to relief is complicated.
If you or someone you know is experiencing depression, it’s never too soon to find depression treatment in the Minneapolis area with Steps For Change. Explore our site or book now to set up an appointment, explore options, and find relief.
Brooklyn Center Office
6040 Earle Brown Dr. Suite 420
Brooklyn Center, MN 55430
Steps For Change (SFC) is using the information provided by credible sources, including the World Health Organization (WHO), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the American Red Cross, to guide our approach to the virus. Currently, SFC’s offices remain closed to clients/families, guests, and non-essential personnel. SFC is still accepting new referrals and teletherapy appointments are being offered through Zoom to new and pre-existing clients. Our goal is to continue to provide good customer service to all our visitors and ensure all staff are employing best practices.
For more information please refer to the Steps For Change Preparedness Plan: SFC Covid-19 Preparedness Plan Effective 6.15.2020
When entering into a Steps For Change location, please abide by the following Safety Precautions: COVID19 Safety Precaution Policies 6.15.20 (COVID19 Safety Precaution Policies – Spanish 6.15.20)
