Understanding Depression: The Basics of This Common Mental Health Condition

Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions, affecting millions of people around the world. Despite the fact that depression is experienced by so many people, it’s often misunderstood. For those living with depression, the symptoms can be debilitating, interfering with daily life, relationships, work, and overall well-being. Understanding the basics of depression is a crucial first step toward healing and support.

What Is Depression?

Depression is more than just feeling sad or going through a rough patch. It’s a mood disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed. These feelings last for weeks or even months and impact how a person thinks, feels, and functions.

Depression can take many forms, including:

• Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) — Persistent and intense feelings of sadness that interfere with daily life.
• Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia) — A chronic form of depression lasting two years or more, with symptoms that may be less severe but longer-lasting.
• Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) — Depression that typically occurs during specific seasons, most often during the winter months.
• Postpartum Depression — A form of depression that affects individuals after childbirth.

Common Symptoms of Depression

Depression manifests differently from person to person, but common symptoms include:

• Persistent sadness or emptiness
• Loss of interest in hobbies or activities
• Fatigue or low energy
• Changes in appetite or weight
• Sleep disturbances (insomnia or oversleeping)
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
• Physical aches and pains without a clear cause
• Thoughts of death or suicide

If you or someone you love is experiencing these symptoms, it's important to seek help. Depression is a medical condition, not a personal weakness, and effective treatments are available.

What Causes Depression?

Depression can result from a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors. Common contributing factors include:

• Family history of depression or other mental health disorders
• Trauma or abuse
• Major life changes, such as divorce, loss, or job stress
• Chronic illness or pain
• Hormonal imbalances
• Substance use

The Connection Between Depression and Anxiety

Depression and anxiety often go hand in hand. While they are distinct conditions, they frequently co-occur and share many symptoms, such as restlessness, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. Having one condition can increase the likelihood of developing the other.

Understanding this connection is important because treatment approaches may differ depending on the individual’s specific symptoms and experiences. Therapy can help untangle the overlap and create a path toward recovery that addresses both conditions.

How Therapy Can Help

Therapy is a highly effective treatment for depression. At Rise Counseling, we provide personalized telehealth therapy for individuals in Florida who are dealing with depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. Through a safe, relational environment and an individualized care plan, therapy can help you:

• Identify the root causes of your depression
• Challenge negative thought patterns
• Learn healthy coping strategies
• Improve emotional regulation
• Build self-esteem and confidence

Approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and other evidence-based methods are tailored to your needs and goals.

Getting Help Is a Sign of Strength

Struggling with depression can feel isolating, but you are not alone. Reaching out for help is a powerful and courageous step toward healing. At Rise Counseling, we are committed to supporting you every step of the way with compassion and expertise.

With 20 years of experience and evening telehealth hours available from 2 PM to 10 PM EST, we make it easy for you to access the care you need, when you need it.

If you’re in Florida, contact Rise Counseling today to take the first step toward understanding and overcoming depression.