Depression Awareness

Depression is an all too common problem, with about one in four adults in the U.S. suffering from it. While some people dismiss this mental health condition as just sadness, depression is more than that. Today, the staff at Long Island Mental Health Counseling Services, in Miller Place, New York, would like to put this mental health condition in the spotlight to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and encourage those experiencing it to seek help. 

What's Depression?

Let's start with the basics. Depression is a mood disorder often accompanied by feelings of sadness, worthlessness, hopelessness, or guilt. Rather than the occasional sadness that everyone experiences from time to time, depression is persistent, lasting for at least two weeks.

Your symptoms aren't limited to your emotional state, either. Some people also feel fatigued frequently, experience a change in their appetite, or even live with aches, pains, and digestion problems. 

Types of Depression

Major depressive disorder is the most common type of depression, but at our Miller Place, New York, office, we also see clients who suffer from other types like post-partum depression, a form that occurs after a woman gives birth. 

Another common variety is seasonal depression, which happens whenever depression symptoms occur as a result of the seasons changing. Most commonly, this happens at the end of summer. This could arise from factors including your circadian rhythm changing, your serotonin level decreasing from lack of sunlight, or cold weather. When it happens from going into winter shifting into spring and summer, it's believed to occur from the circadian rhythm change and being uncomfortable from the hot weather.

Encouraging People to Get the Help They Need 

The team at Long Island Mental Health Counseling Services wants you to know that getting help for depression isn't a sign of weakness; it shows an immense amount of strength to admit there's a problem and get what you need to feel better about yourself and improve your quality of life.

You should know we offer various talk therapy treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), person-focused therapy, solution-focused therapy, and emotion-focused therapy, and your treatment will depend on your specific needs and preferences. 

Together, you and a mental health professional will develop a plan that can ultimately change not only your mood, but also your outlook on life. 

By scheduling an appointment with a professional at Long Island Mental Health Counseling Services in Miller Place, New York, you'll get treatment for depression and finally put a genuine smile on your face. 

Call 631-209-7968.