Depression

Do you ever feel like you have lost interest in things that once gave you pleasure? That you have low mood or low energy? That you find yourself struggling with motivation or feeling unworthy?

All of these are possible signs of depression. We are here to help work together to learn how to re-engage with life again in a way that is fulfilling and provides more contentment again.

There are numerous kinds of depression- there is major depressive disorder, dysthymia, bipolar depression, psychotic depressive, postpartum depression, and seasonal affective disorder. This page will focus on Major depressive disorder.

What is Depression?

According to the Mayo Clinic, Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. Also called major depressive disorder or clinical depression, it affects how you feel, think and behave and can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems. You may have trouble doing normal day-to-day activities, and sometimes you may feel as if life isn’t worth living.

More than just a bout of the blues, depression isn’t a weakness and you can’t simply “snap out” of it. Depression may require long-term treatment. But don’t get discouraged. Most people with depression feel better with medication, psychotherapy or both.

Common symptoms of depression:

Feelings of sadness, tearfulness, emptiness or hopelessness
Angry outbursts, irritability or frustration, even over small matters
Loss of interest or pleasure in most or all normal activities, such as sex, hobbies or sports
Sleep disturbances, including insomnia or sleeping too much
Tiredness and lack of energy, so even small tasks take extra effort
Reduced appetite and weight loss or increased cravings for food and weight gain

Anxiety, agitation or restlessness
Slowed thinking, speaking or body movements
Feelings of worthlessness or guilt, fixating on past failures or self-blame
Trouble thinking, concentrating, making decisions and remembering things
Frequent or recurrent thoughts of death, suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts or suicide
Unexplained physical problems, such as back pain or headaches

Statistics

An estimated 21.0 million adults in the United States had at least one major depressive episode. This number represented 8.4% of all U.S. adults.

The prevalence of major depressive episode was higher among adult females (10.5%) compared to males (6.2%).

The prevalence of adults with a major depressive episode was highest among individuals aged 18-25 (17.0%).

In 2020, an estimated 14.8 million U.S. adults aged 18 or older had at least one major depressive episode with severe impairment in the past year. This number represented 6.0% of all U.S. adults.

In 2020, an estimated 66.0% U.S. adults aged 18 or older with major depressive episode received treatment in the past year.

If you are seeking therapy treatment for depression we are here to help. We will utilize integrative, individualized treatment to best address the concerns at hand and work together to help open to gates to freedom from feeling like your depression is controlling you.

Call (414) 552-8242 or email us at info@whitestar-wellness.com to speak to any of our office staff to learn more or schedule an appointment.

Citation of data: Source 1 Source 2