Follow Us x
What is Major Depression or Clinical Depression?
Major depression is a thought and mood disorder characterized by the following symptoms that have been present in the same two week period and represent change from previous functioning:
- Sadness, anxiety or “empty feelings’ throughout the day, nearly everyday
- Loss of interest in or enjoyment of your favorite activities
- Excessive or inappropriate feelings of guilt or worthlessness
- Thoughts of death or suicide
- Decreased energy, constant tiredness or fatigue
- Insomnia, over sleeping, or waking much earlier than usual
- Loss of appetite and weight, or overeating and weight gain
- Difficulty concentrating, making decisions, or remembering
- Feelings of restlessness
- Chronic aches or pains that do not respond to treatment
- Tearfulness
- Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism
- Obsessive rumination
- Irritability (especially in children and adolescents)
Because depression is caused by “stinking thinking” in most cases, the most effective treatment available today is cognitive behavioral therapy. Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is a type of treatment that targets the negative thoughts that cause and worsen depressive symptoms. During CBT, the negative thoughts are challenged, restructured, and replaced by other thoughts that promote healing and increase your quality of life.
Medications are only suggested for more severe cases. The most effective treatment for moderate to severe depression is a combination of CBT and medication therapy.
At Perspective Counseling Services, we specialize in cognitive behavioral therapies that decrease your symptoms and improve your quality of life. We also coordinate referrals for medication supervision for individuals who need that service.
