Depression is a common, debilitating illness that can harm your work or school performance and cause you to lose interest in activities you once enjoyed. Depression can also lead to substance abuse and physical health complications. The good news is that the experts at EXIS Recovery Inc. in West Los Angeles, California, offer high-quality treatment options using evidence-based techniques that can resolve your symptoms and restore your quality of life. If you suffer from persistent feelings of sorrow or despair, don’t hesitate to schedule a confidential consultation. Call the office for an appointment today.
Depression Q & A
What is depression?
Major depressive disorder (depression) is a mental health condition that causes overwhelming feelings of sadness, worthlessness, or hopelessness. These types of feelings are normal emotions that occur after negative experiences or arise out of the blue from time to time.
However, when depression becomes persistent and interferes with your ability to enjoy activities, relate to others, or function in your daily life, it can diminish your quality of life and negatively affect your work, personal relationships, and physical health.
What causes depression?
Depression can affect anyone, regardless of age, socioeconomic background, or ethnicity. However, depression is more likely to occur in women than in men. An estimated 16.6% of adults in the United States experience a depressive episode at some point in their lives.
The exact cause of depression isn’t known, but researchers believe genetics, brain chemistry, personality, and other factors contribute to the condition. Experiencing poverty, neglect, or abuse can also increase your risk of depression.
What are the symptoms of depression?
Overwhelming feelings of sorrow, grief, hopelessness, shame, or guilt that last for more than two weeks are the primary characteristics of depression. Additional symptoms include:
- Loss of interest in activities you typically enjoy
- Loss of or increased appetite
- Sleep disturbances
- Lethargy
- Slowed movements or speech
- Poor concentration
- Difficulty making decisions
- Thoughts of self-harm
Many patients experience depression in periodic episodes, but for some, these symptoms are constant.
How can depression be treated?
The compassionate providers at EXIS Recovery have the training and expertise to help resolve your depressive symptoms so you can regain your ability to function and enjoy a full life.
Following your initial consultation, your expert designs a personalized treatment plan to best meet your individual needs. Your custom care plan may include:
- Individual psychotherapy
- Small-group counseling
- Depth therapy
- Motivational interviewing
- Sensory-motor therapy
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical-behavioral therapy (DBT)
The mental health professionals at EXIS Recovery use a combination of these evidence-based techniques to help you understand and resolve your negative feelings and behaviors. Treatment for substance abuse and other co-occurring conditions may be part of your individualized care protocol.
In addition to therapy, your provider may recommend mind-body practices that alleviate stress and promote overall mental and physical wellness. These may include yoga, meditation, and massage therapy, among other approaches.
To put an end to the despair of depression, call today to request an appointment.
