An estimated 7.2% of men and women in the United States have experienced a significant depressive episode. Depression can wreak havoc on your life, affecting your self-esteem, job performance, and personal relationships. In Venice, California, licensed psychotherapist Judith Bin-Nun, PhD, MA, LMFT, LPCC, and the team can help resolve your feelings of despair or worthlessness. For high-quality care in a safe, comfortable environment, schedule a consultation today. Call the office or make an appointment online today.
Major depressive disorder, usually called depression, is a mental health condition characterized by persistent, overwhelming feelings of sorrow or hopelessness. Everyone experiences these normal emotions from time to time. When that feeling lasts for more than a few weeks, however, it can indicate the presence of major depressive disorder.
Depression makes it difficult to participate in life and enjoy activities and relationships. It can interfere with your ability to function and may impact your work performance, health, and personal growth.
A variety of factors contribute to depression. Some of these include:
Sometimes, major life events, such as getting married, career changes, or retiring, can trigger an episode of depression. Many times, however, depression arises without an apparent cause.
Depression affects each person differently. You may experience many of the most common symptoms or just a few. And symptoms can range from mild to severe.
The most common symptoms of depression include:
People with depression have an increased risk of suicide. If you or someone you love has expressed suicidal thoughts or intentions, don’t hesitate to seek help from a qualified mental health provider.
In Venice, California, your provider designs customized treatment plans to address your individual experience with depression. Many patients with depression respond well to antidepressants and other prescription medications, but medication isn’t always necessary to resolve depression.
Your treatment plan may include counseling to help you resolve the underlying issues that contribute to your depression. If you’ve tried many treatment options in the past without success, you could benefit from transcranial magnetic stimulation. TMS is a drug-free treatment that stimulates specific areas of your brain to help regulate your mood. TMS is FDA-approved for treatment-resistant depression.
Don’t wait to seek help for depression. If you or your loved one has symptoms of depression, schedule an evaluation with a caring team member in Venice, California. Call the office or book an appointment online today.