Overcoming Depression

Everyone experiences sadness at times. But depression is something more. Depression is extreme sadness or despair that lasts more than days. It interferes with the activities of daily life and can even cause physical pain. Fortunately, depression is highly treatable.

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Depression, also known as major depressive disorder or clinical depression, is one of the most common mental disorders in the United States. In 2014, an estimated 15.7 million adults in the U.S. — about 6.7 percent of all U.S. adults — had at least one major depressive episode, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).

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Understanding depression

Depression affects different people in different ways, but most of them experience some combination of the following symptoms:

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• Prolonged sadness or feelings of emptiness.

• Feelings of helplessness or hopelessness.

• Feelings of guilt or worthlessness.

• Anger and irritability.

• Restlessness.

• Difficulty concentrating.

• Fatigue.

• Changes in sleep patterns.

• Appetite changes.

• Chronic pain, headaches or stomachaches.

• Loss of interest in activities.

• Withdrawal from friends and family.

• Thoughts of death or suicide.

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Depression is caused by a combination of genetic, biological, psychological, social and environmental factors. People who have a family history of depression, and people with serious chronic diseases such as heart disease or cancer, are at an increased risk of depression. Major life changes, trauma and stress can also bring about an episode of depression, although some episodes of depression begin without any obvious external cause.

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Treatment for depression

Depression isn't a sign of weakness. It's not something you can just "snap out of." It's an illness that requires professional treatment. Yet with the right care, people can feel better.

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Licensed psychologists are highly trained mental health professionals with experience in helping patients recover from depression. Several different approaches to psychotherapy have been shown to help individuals recover from depression, especially those with mild to moderate depression. Psychotherapy can help people with depression to:

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• Pinpoint life events that contribute to their depression and help them find ways to change, accept or adapt to those situations.

• Set realistic goals for the future.

• Identify distorted thought processes or unhelpful behaviors that contribute to feelings of hopelessness and helplessness.

• Develop skills to cope with symptoms and problems, and identify or prevent future episodes of depression.