Depression Specialist

When should I get help for depression?

Many people mistake depression for the blues, but the two are different. Everyone occasionally feels blue (sad and withdrawn), but the blues go away in a short time without needing treatment.

Depression arises from a complex combination of imbalanced brain chemicals and stressful life events. Additionally, depression pervades every aspect of your life, affecting the way you think, feel, and behave.

And all of that stress doesn’t take into consideration other potential issues that affect your mood, such as family troubles, peer pressure, and living on your own for the first time.

So when should you seek help? When your symptoms persist for two weeks or longer, or they interfere with your ability to perform at work or school, it’s time to contact the team at Psychology Beverly Hills.

What symptoms occur if I’m depressed?

The primary symptoms of depression are feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and worthlessness. But you also experience a range of other symptoms, including one or more of the following:

• Little to no interest in your normal daily activities
• No interest in spending time with family and friends
• Irritability, frustration, and anger out of proportion to the situation
• Changes in your sleep (sleeping too much or having insomnia)
• Changes in your appetite (eating more or less than usual)
• Blaming yourself for things that aren’t your responsibility
• Difficulty concentrating, thinking, or making decisions
• Thoughts of death or suicide
• Decline in your academic performance
• Anxiety or restlessness
• Extreme fatigue

People who are depressed often develop anxiety and have a higher risk of turning to alcohol or drugs.

How is depression treated?

The team at Psychology Beverly Hills works with you to create an individualized treatment plan. They draw from several therapeutic techniques, including:

Psychodynamic psychotherapy

This approach focuses on gaining insight into your unconscious thoughts and how they influence your depression.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

CBT explores your thought patterns and how they affect your behaviors and feelings. By identifying negative or unhealthy thought patterns, you can make purposeful, positive changes that improve your mood.

Mentalization-based therapy (MBT)

During MBT you learn to identify your emotions and gain the skills you need to regulate emotions and improve your relationships.

If you struggle with depression, call Psychology Beverly Hills today. Request a free phone consultation to learn more about their services or book an appointment online.