Depression

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While society has increasingly recognized depression as a mental health disorder, many people still confuse sadness with depression, or vice versa.​  Depression is not sadness or self pity,  nor is it something  one can simply "shake off".  It is a mental health disorder that has a network of causal factors, including biological, psychological, and sociological components. Depression can be debilitating and it may impact all aspects of one's life.  It can erode a person's sense of what is meaningful and valuable, and turn a world of vibrant possibility into a world of monochromatic, lifeless, routine. Misconceptions about what depression is can unintentionally create barriers to treatment. 

"The frequent attempt to conceal mental pain increases the burden: it is easier to say 'my tooth is aching' than to say 'my heart is broken'"

​- C.S. Lewis

Depression is not an emotion, though it does have emotional symptoms. However, according to the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), many of the symptoms of depression do not manifest as emotions, but rather as behaviors: trouble sleeping (too much or too little), fluctuations in appetite with weight gain or loss, extreme fatigue, and an inability to concentrate or trouble with routine decision-making are some of the behavioral symptoms. Furthermore, some of the emotional symptoms may manifest in counterintuitive ways. People who think of depression as akin only to sadness may find it surprising that persistent irritability, restlessness, and agitation sometimes signify depression. In addition, sociological factors can skew one's appraisal of these symptoms and minimize one's desire to seek treatment.  Thus, although an estimated 34 million Americans will struggle with depression at some point during their lifetime, many of them do not receive the help they need. 

Fortunately, there is help. Scientific studies have consistently shown that certain psychotherapeutic methods perform as well or better than antidepressant medication, and that after ceasing treatment the positive effects of psychotherapy last longer than antidepressant medication. Researchers continue to investigate the mechanisms underlying this phenomenon, and their findings suggest that these psychotherapeutic methods can lead to structural changes in one's brain; that is, as a person engages in treatment, their brain begins to "rewire" some of their neural connections. In this over-simplified way the brain is analogous to a muscle: the more you train, the stronger the muscle - and the brain is our most important "muscle". 

To extend the analogy, SALT is the gym and our therapists are the strength and conditioning trainers. They are highly skilled at helping people with depression find the right training program for their needs. Unlike a real gym, however, you needn't come with an abundance of energy, or curate the perfect playlist to get you through your workout; just come as you are. Our therapists provide a safe and accepting environment where you can feel comfortable to simply be yourself. If you are struggling with depression, don't wait, reach out to us today and get the help you need.

SALT Marriage and Family Therapy, Inc
(323) 999 - 4MFT
4401 Atlantic Ave, Suite 420, Long Beach, CA 90807
[email protected]