We all experience sadness at times. But depression is more than just feeling blue. It is a feeling of despair & extreme sadness that tends to last for more than just few days. It interferes with a person’s daily activities & may require a long term treatment.
Depression is one of the most common mental disorders with over 250 million people are affected globally(WHO).
How do you know you are depressed?
Here are some common signs of depression:
- Agitation & irritable mood
- Persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness
- Difficulty making even simple decisions
- Social Isolation
- Fatigue
- Sleep disturbances
- Significant weight loss or weight gain
- Recurrent suicidal thoughts
What are the causes of depression?
- Certain life events such as a death of a family member, breaking up with a loved one can lead to depression. Financial problems and stressful environment at work can also play a role
- Personality: Certain personality traits increase risk of depression. People with low self esteem & those who tend to be severely self critical are more susceptible.
- Illness: Chronic or life threatening illnesses tend to trigger depression in some individuals.
- Drug or alcohol abuse: Excessive consumption of alcohol or use of drugs can increase a person’s risk of depression
How does your Psychotherapist diagnose depression?
There is no one test that helps diagnose depression. The diagnosis is made based on your symptoms and a psychological assessment. In most cases, your psychotherapist would you a series of questions about your moods, sleep patterns, activity level, appetite etc to evaluate your psychological state.
How is it treated?
There are various approaches to treating depression. Some of the treatment modalities include:
- Pharmacotherapy
- Integrative psychotherapy
- Cognitive behavioural therapy
- Psychodynamic therapy
- Light Therapy
- Alternative therapies such as meditation or acupuncture
Why Choose Dr Meghna?
Dr Meghna is an expert psychotherapist who treats patients with utmost compassion & care. She connects with patients through her excellent interpersonal skills while offering them hope & positivity.
She creates a comfortable & friendly environment for people with depression to freely speak their mind. She is flexible in her treatment approach and offers tailor made solutions to suit the needs of her clients.
Managing depression involves finding the right combination of treatments. Consult us today for a customised treatment plan that works for you.
