Depression Treatment

Depression affects people across the United States and here in Massachusetts every day. Unfortunately, a lack of mental health education and awareness can prevent many from seeking treatment. In many cases, people self-medicate for depression and other mood disorders. Depression is treatable and manageable with comprehensive mental healthcare.

For many, addiction and mental health concerns like depression go hand-in-hand. Call NuLife Behavioral Health today for the support you need. Our addiction treatment programs provide comprehensive outpatient care for clients across Massachusetts and beyond. Call us now at 888.568.2057 to learn more about our Massachusetts-based treatment centers and begin your journey to recovery today.  

Recognizing the Most Common Types of Depressive Disorders

Depression is a complex mood disorder. In fact, there are several types of depressive disorders that have similar symptoms. The most common include: 

• Seasonal depression (SAD): A very common depression disorder, seasonal affective disorder happens in the winter months when there is less sunlight. It can affect sleep, mood, and someone’s ability to take part in the world around them. Even people who don’t suffer from depression other times of year are likely to struggle with seasonal depression. 
• Clinical depression: The most common clinical depression is also called high-functioning depression, when someone is able to hide, manage, and self-soothe symptoms around others. Often, this self-soothing involves substance use. This type of depression causes long periods of depressed mood. 
• Postpartum depression: Increasingly common, postpartum happens when hormones change after childbirth. Unfortunately, many mothers don’t seek treatment for this depressive disorder that can cause a range of symptoms and irrational thoughts. 
• Bipolar disorder: There are several types of bipolar disorder, all characterized by an oscillation between manic and depressive moods.  

Depression disorders vary in severity and symptoms change throughout a person’s life. Events, stress, location, and seasons can trigger depressive episodes. Unhealthy coping mechanisms like substance abuse can make depression worse. 

Do I Need Depression Treatment?

Depression is more than a depressed mood. Like other mood disorders, depression is an individualized experience of sadness, lack of motivation, and a range of other symptoms. Many explain depression as a feeling of numbness and emptiness, or a lack of the ability to feel emotions and sensations. Some common symptoms of depression include:

• General malaise
• Self-isolation
• Fatigue
• Sadness
• Trouble concentrating
• Confusion
• Loss of interest in favorite activities
• Suicidal ideation
• Trouble leaving the house
• Self-harm
• Trouble sleeping
• Increased sleeping
• Losing track of time
• Hopelessness
• Lack of motivation
• Unexplained crying
• Trouble communicating with others
• Trouble completing tasks

Like any symptoms, symptoms of depression can come and go, as can symptoms of each depressive disorder. Depressive disorders affected by seasons and hormones can persist and worsen without treatment. That’s why it’s important to get a comprehensive diagnosis and treatment for any type of depression.