Online Therapy for Depression in Roswell, GA

While most people have heard the term ‘depression’, many don’t realize that there are several different types. The American Psychiatric Association categorizes depression into the following categories:

• Clinical depression/major depressive disorder. This is the most severe form of depression. This diagnosis indicates that you’ve experienced low moods consistently for at least two weeks. In addition, you also must present affiliated symptoms such as sleep problems, loss of interest in activities, and changes to appetite. 
• Atypical depression. Those with atypical depression have symptoms that don’t typically fall within the realm of traditionally defined depression. This may include temporary mood improvements due to positive events, increased appetite, and rejection sensitivity.  
• Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD). This type of depression results in chronic bouts of intense irritation and angry outbursts in children. 
• Persistent depressive disorder (PDD). This is a mild or moderate depression that lasts a minimum of two years. Symptoms are typically less severe than those experienced in clinical depression. 
• Postpartum depression: This is depression that develops within a 4-week period following the birth of your baby.  
• Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Changes in mood, such as irritability, anxiety, and depression, coincide with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms. 
• Prenatal depression. This type of depression develops during pregnancy and may dissipate once it ends. However, depressive symptoms may persist after birth – see postpartum depression above.
• Seasonal affective disorder (seasonal depression). As suggested by the name, this type of major depressive disorder typically arises during the fall and winter months and dissipates during the spring and summer months. 
• Situational depressive disorder. This type of depression is a symptom of being diagnosed with another medical condition such as heart disease, cancer, etc. Medical conditions can create changes in your body that trigger depression. 

Researchers are still exploring what causes depression as there’s no definitive answer. However, the current research suggests that the following may contribute to the development of this mood disorder: 

• Certain medications. 
• Developing a medical condition. 
• Genetics. 
• Stressful and/or traumatic life events.
• Substance use, such as alcohol, hard drugs, and recreational drugs. 
• Unbalanced brain chemistry: 

The symptoms of depression, and their severity, vary from person to person. In general, those with depression often experience one or more of the following: 

• Appetite changes – the result of which may be weight gain or weight loss.
• Becoming irritated or frustrated easily.
• Consistent feelings of apathy. 
• Consistently low energy and fatigue.
• Difficulty concentrating and remembering things. 
• Difficulty making decisions. 
• Difficulty sleeping (insomnia).
• Experiencing physical issues such as headache, stomach-ache, or sexual dysfunction.
• Feeling consistently sad, hopeless, worthless, irritated, and/or worried. 
• Isolating from friends, family, collogues, etc. 
• Not enjoying activities that used to bring you joy.
• Self-harming behaviors. 
• Sleeping too much (hypersomnia).
• Thinking or planning suicide (suicidal ideation).  

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s always best to consult with a mental health professional who can help guide you toward the appropriate treatment plan.  

While depression can take a hefty mental and physical toll, the good news is that it’s a very treatable mood disorder. Treatment yields high success rates, with doctors often prescribing one or multiple of the following: 

• Psychotherapy/talk therapy. This involves regularly speaking with a licensed mental health professional who can help you identify unhealthy emotions, thoughts, and behaviors and give you the tools and resources to combat them. 
• Medication. Prescription medicine, known as antidepressants, can regulate and balance uneven brain chemistry that may be causing your depression.  
• Supplemental medicine. This may include therapies such as acupuncture, cupping, massage, hypnosis, and biofeedback.
• Brain stimulation therapy. This type of therapy can help those with severe depression and may include electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and vagus nerve stimulation (VNS).

In addition, there are also at-home strategies that you can use to help improve your depressive symptoms. These include getting regular exercise, getting good quality sleep, eating healthily, avoiding drugs and alcohol, and maintaining healthy relationships with the people you care about. 

If you’re struggling with depression and don’t know what to do or where to turn, connect with us at PersonALL Counseling. Our team of experienced and professional specialists can give you the support you need to get you moving on the right track. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We serve clients from Roswell GA, Mountain Park GA, Dunwoody GA, Sandy Springs GA, Alpharetta GA, and surrounding areas.