Depression Treatment
Overview
Treatment for Depression
It is estimated that 19 million American adults suffer from depression every year,
and with proper treatment, 4 out of 5 patients will improve. (Natural Advisory Mental
Health Council Healthcare Reform for American With Severe Mental Illness.
American Journal of Psychiatry. 1993; 150: 1447-65)
Depression is a common, serious illness and not a personal weakness.
Major depressive disorder is one of the most common mental disorders in the
United States and according to the National Institute of Mental Health, 16.5% of the U.S.
adult population will experience at least one episode of clinical depression within
a lifetime. Depression can happen to anyone, at any age, and to people of any race
or ethnic group. It is never a "normal" part of life, as it is a serious condition that can
devastate one's life, health, and well-being. Depression can be treated with the
help of experts and professionals and proper treatment. At Casa Palmera, we are
dedicated to helping you move beyond symptoms of depression. We want you to
re-enter your life
with a sense of renewed connectedness, meaning, fulfillment
and hope.
Many things can lead to clinical depression. Often it is triggered by a combination
of genetic,
psychological, and environmental factors .
Factors that can contribute to the illness:
• Biological - People with depression may have too little or too much of
certain brain chemicals. Changes in these brain chemicals may cause or
play a role in clinical depression.
• Cognitive - People with negative thinking and low self-esteem are
more likely to develop clinical depression.
• Co-occurrence - Depression is more likely to occur along with
certain other illnesses,
such as chemical dependency, eating disorders,
heart disease, cancer, diabetes,
and hormonal disorders.
• Medications - Side effects of some medications can bring about depression.
• Genetic - A family history of clinical depression increases the risk for developing the illness.
• Situational - Difficult life events, including divorce, financial problems, loss of a job,
or the death of a loved one can contribute to clinical depression.
Signs Of Depression
• Depressed or irritable mood
• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities, such as hobbies,
work, sex, or being with friends
• Sudden changes in weight such as weight loss without dieting or
gaining more than 5% of body weight in 1 month
• Noticeable change in appetite, sudden urges to overeat, or lack of interest in food
• Insomnia/Inability to sleep
• Sleeping too much/Not having motivation to get out of bed
• Frequent feelings of worthlessness or inappropriate guilt
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Frequent thoughts of death or suicide, or making a suicide attempt or plan
Anxiety
For people with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), daily life becomes a constant state
of worry, fear, and dread. Anxiety thoroughly dominates the person's thinking, and
consequently, interferes with daily functioning, including work, school, social activities
and relationships. People with symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder tend to expect
disaster, and have difficulty stopping their frequent worried thoughts about money,
relationships, family, health, work, or school.
Signs of Anxiety
• Excessive, ongoing worry and tension
• Restlessness or a feeling of being "edgy"
• Muscle tension
• Headaches / Nausea
• Difficulty concentrating
• Trouble falling or staying asleep
• Being easily startled
