As a depression counselor in Arlington, TX, I have treated many patients whose depression symptoms ranged from mild to severe and debilitating. For those patients, and for those who love them, dealing with the symptoms of depression is an ongoing struggle; and, because the human brain is still one of the great unknowns of biology and psychology, part of the struggle of living with depression is not being able to get the answers they need about their condition. If you are living with some type of depression, here are few answers to some of the questions you may have:
1 - Is Depression Caused By A Chemical Imbalance?
The biology of depression is too complex to be attributed to one cause. To be sure, brain chemicals are involved in patients …show more content…
For some, seeing a depression counselor in Arlington, TX regularly for treatment can make a significant difference. For others who either can’t or don’t want to seek counseling, antidepressant medications may be the answer. There are also patients who want to pursue a two-pronged approach to treatment that includes both therapy and medication.
4 - Are There Physical Changes That Go Along With Depression?
Though depression isn’t wholly caused by a chemical imbalance, it can actually trigger a chemical imbalance. Depressed people usually have increased levels of two stress hormones - cortisol and noradrenaline. These hormones cause anxiety and agitation that can lead eventually to exhaustion and chronic fatigue. In addition, appetite and sleep changes can occur that can lead to a variety of other physical maladies like dizziness, obesity and headaches.
5 - How Long Does Depression Last?
The average bout of depression, if left untreated, lasts on average about 8 months. During this time that a patient is dealing with depression, it will likely feel as if the depression will never end; but this is a classic feature of the way depression makes us think. Though 8 months is the average, depending on the severity of the depression, bouts can last days, weeks, months or even years. The right treatment that includes counseling by a qualified professional can significantly shorten the length of time that a patient suffers with depressive
1 - Is Depression Caused By A Chemical Imbalance?
The biology of depression is too complex to be attributed to one cause. To be sure, brain chemicals are involved in patients …show more content…
For some, seeing a depression counselor in Arlington, TX regularly for treatment can make a significant difference. For others who either can’t or don’t want to seek counseling, antidepressant medications may be the answer. There are also patients who want to pursue a two-pronged approach to treatment that includes both therapy and medication.
4 - Are There Physical Changes That Go Along With Depression?
Though depression isn’t wholly caused by a chemical imbalance, it can actually trigger a chemical imbalance. Depressed people usually have increased levels of two stress hormones - cortisol and noradrenaline. These hormones cause anxiety and agitation that can lead eventually to exhaustion and chronic fatigue. In addition, appetite and sleep changes can occur that can lead to a variety of other physical maladies like dizziness, obesity and headaches.
5 - How Long Does Depression Last?
The average bout of depression, if left untreated, lasts on average about 8 months. During this time that a patient is dealing with depression, it will likely feel as if the depression will never end; but this is a classic feature of the way depression makes us think. Though 8 months is the average, depending on the severity of the depression, bouts can last days, weeks, months or even years. The right treatment that includes counseling by a qualified professional can significantly shorten the length of time that a patient suffers with depressive