Depression hits hard, affecting more than 14 million adults in the U.S. each year. It brings on persistent feelings of sadness or disinterest, messing with our thoughts, actions, moods, and even our physical health. Back in 2000, depression cost the country a staggering $83.1 billion, and by 2020, it was on track to become the second biggest cause of global disability.
It’s a serious matter, with over 30,000 suicides in the U.S. annually, and a whopping 60% of those cases are tied to depression. While women are hit hardest, men often keep their struggles under wraps. Depression doesn’t care about race, ethnicity, or how much money you make. And for many, it’s not a one-time thing; about two-thirds of folks who face depression deal with it again and again.
The root cause is still a bit of a mystery, but scientists think it’s linked to a drop in activity in certain brain networks that handle our emotions and drive. Boosting neurotransmitter levels seems to kick those networks back into gear or even build new ones. That’s where antidepressants come in, helping to amp up those neurotransmitters and get things back on track.
Depression manifests as an enduring sense of sadness or an inability to find pleasure in things once enjoyed. Those affected often withdraw from activities they used to love. The American Psychiatric Association’s diagnostic manual, the DSM-IV-TR, defines depression as present when an individual exhibits either a persistently low mood or a lack of interest or pleasure, alongside four or more of the following symptoms over a consecutive two-week period:
If you are in Westchester or surrounding areas and recognize any of these signs of depression, please reach out to our office. Our team is here to discuss treatment options tailored to your needs.
Depression therapy refers to various psychological interventions designed to alleviate symptoms of depression and improve overall mental health and well-being. These depression therapies can be provided by Dr. Aziz Soomro to the Westchester and surrounding counties. The goal of depression therapy is to help individuals understand and manage their depressive symptoms, improve coping skills, and enhance their quality of life. Depression Therapy for Westchester can be conducted individually, in group settings, or with family members, depending on the individual’s needs and preferences.
Some common types of depression therapy include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), as well as various forms of group therapy and family therapy. The choice of depression therapy depends on factors such as the severity of depression, the individual’s preferences, their personal history, and the recommendation of the therapist.
Depression Therapy sessions typically involve discussing thoughts, feelings, and behaviors associated with depression, identifying and challenging negative thought patterns, learning coping strategies, setting goals for improvement, and working towards making positive changes in various areas of life. The duration and frequency of depression therapy sessions vary depending on the individual’s needs and progress.
Overall, depression therapy aims to provide support, guidance, and effective strategies for managing depression, promoting recovery, and enhancing overall mental health and well-being.
We also serve patients from Fairfield & Litchfield Counties of CT
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