What it is:
When we use the word “depression” we are usually referring to a prolonged period of sadness or numbness, low motivation and energy, difficulties sleeping or eating, difficulty finding pleasure or joy, and negative or self-critical thoughts (e.g., hopelessness or self-hatred). For some people, this prolonged mood state is triggered by a loss (e.g., grief), a life transition (e.g., following a move, job change, or new phase of life like parenthood), significant hormonal or physical changes (e.g., post-partum depression or post-cardiac depression), or other clearly identified stressors. For others, the depressed mood is part of a chronic health condition (e.g., Major Depressive Disorder) associated with an chronic imbalance in brain chemicals that is sometimes triggered by a stressor, but other times may not be.
It’s worth noting that depression is not the only form of a mood concern. Other mood difficulties include things like Bipolar Disorder (where you have both depression and mania) or Emotion Dysregulation (where your moods shift more rapidly and across more emotions).
While almost everyone will experience some form of a depressed mood state in their lives, those who may need treatment for their depression tend to have a few things in common:
- Their depressed mood lasts for more than 2 weeks straight
- Their depressed mood prevents them from working or maintaining relationships
- Their depressed mood results in concerning behaviors such as substance use, self-harm, suicide attempts, or an inability to take care of themselves
Though it is most common for problems with depression to present as sadness, numbness, or hopelessness, some adult depression can look like problems with anger or shame. Moreover, sometimes coping strategies may mask underlying depression, as is often the case with addiction.
Does This Sound Familiar?
- I feel down or depressed for long periods of time that I just can’t seem to shake
- I am crying more than usual and feel more upset about the little things
- I have no motivation and don’t want to do anything, even the things I usually like to do
- I want to alone all the time, even though I feel lonely
- I find myself thinking about or fantasizing about death
- I have no energy and my body feels slowed or heavy
- My sleep is disrupted- either I can’t sleep or I sleep a lot
- I can’t seem to care about the things or people that once mattered to me
- Nothing brings me joy anymore
- My brain is very negative and critical, telling me that I am worthless or that things are pointless
- I’ve been considering whether other people would be better off without me
Associated Concerns:
Adults with depression may also experience:
- symptoms of anxiety, insomnia, irritability or anger, shame, and social/relationship concerns (e.g., difficulties connecting with others).
- thoughts about suicide or self-harm
- Other mood or emotional concerns, such as emotion dysregulation, emotion avoidance, or bipolar disorder.
- Many individuals with substance use difficulties have adult depression, a co-occurring mood disorder, or experience other concerns such as anger or mood concerns.
Specialty Services at TAP:
Below are a list of empirically supported assessments or therapies that one or more of our specialists could provide. Click on an intervention to learn more!