Depressive Disorders
Signs and symptoms of depression
- Feelings of sadness & irritability most of the day, nearly every day
- Loss of interest in most activities once enjoyed
- Weight loss or gain or changes in appetite
- Trouble falling asleep, staying asleep or want to sleep more than usual
- Feelings of restlessness, experiencing tremors or meaningless movements
- Feeling unusually tired and a lack of energy
- Feeling of worthlessness or guilt
- Difficulty in concentrating, thinking, or making decisions
- Thoughts of harming oneself or committing suicide
Treatment for Depression, how we can help
The goal of AKUA’s psychotherapy approach is to recognize any underlying triggers associated with depression and to develop positive coping skills to avoid and overcome depressive symptoms. Other goals of psychotherapy include learning to adjust to a crisis or stressful situation, improving communication and interpersonal relationships, replacing negative thoughts with positive thoughts, improving self-esteem, and regaining a sense of satisfaction and control. The following are common types of psychotherapy used to help treat symptoms of depression:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Interpersonal therapy
- Problem-solving therapy
- Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy
Daily lifestyle changes that are known to improve mood include eating a balanced diet, adopting a healthy sleep regimen, avoiding alcohol and other substances, and moving your body.
AKUA Mind & Body Depressive Disorders Treatment Program
AKUA Mind and Body is a full-service treatment program that offers a wide range of “east meets west” treatment modalities for many different populations struggling with anxiety and other mental health and substance use disorders. We offer both intensive inpatient programs as well as outpatient treatment. AKUA Mind & Body works diligently with each client and their family to ensure that their depressive disorder treatment plan is specifically tailored to their needs, and not just their disorder.
More details on the various types of Depression
- Major depressive disorder (clinical depression)
- Persistent depressive disorder
- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder
- Psychotic depression
- Postpartum depression
- Seasonal affective disorder
Clinical depression
Seasonal depression
Seasonal depression, also known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD), is a type of depression that is associated with seasons, particularly late fall and the entire winter seasons. Shorter days, colder temperatures and less exposure to light have shown to change our sleep/wake patterns and throw off our “internal clocks” affecting our levels of melatonin, serotonin, and vitamin D.
Individuals with seasonal depression must meet the criteria for major depressive disorder with symptoms coinciding with the specific seasons and lasting for at least two years.
Individuals who live further from the Equator are more at risk for developing seasonal depression compared to individuals who live closer to the Equator. One percent of individuals who live in Florida have SAD, whereas nine percent of individuals who live in Alaska have SAD. Females are more at risk of developing SAD compared to males, and individuals who have a history of depression or bipolar disorder are also at an increased risk for developing SAD.