Treatment For Persistent Depressive Disorder
Depression is a broad term that is used to describe certain mood disorders. Although symptoms tend to vary from person to person, it is most often characterized by feelings of profound sadness, pessimism, and loss of interest. There are three different types of depressive disorders — major depression, persistent depression, and bipolar disorder. Knowing which type of disorder you have will be helpful for identifying the appropriate treatment for your depression.
As the name implies, persistent depression (also called persistent depressive disorder or dysthymia) is a form of chronic, long-term depression. Although the symptoms are not usually as severe as those dealing with major depressive disorder, people with persistent depression still experience melancholy and lack interest in things they once enjoyed, making it difficult to live a normal and fulfilling life. In order to be classified as persistent depression, a person needs to have symptoms that have endured for at least two years.
Causes of Persistent Depressive Disorder
Similar to other forms of depression, persistent depressive disorder can be caused by any one or a combination of factors including those that are genetic, environmental, and psychological. Oftentimes, depression is linked with certain medical conditions such as chronic pain or serious illness. It’s also more likely to develop in people who have a family history of depression or another mood disorder. Determining the exact cause of your depression can be difficult, but it’s important to seek help to improve mental health and to prevent the risk of other complications.
Symptoms of Persistent Depressive Disorder
Although not usually as severe as those suffering from major depression, there are many similarities between symptoms of major depression and symptoms of persistent depressive disorder. The following is a list of just some of the symptoms that one may experience:
- Persistent feelings of sadness
- Lack of energy
- Lack of interest in things that once brought pleasure
- Feelings of guilt or low self-esteem
- Changes in appetite
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Increase in irritability
- Difficulty concentrating and making decisions
- Withdrawing from friends and social situations
Everyone experiences some of these symptoms from time to time, but that doesn’t mean that you have depression. However, if you struggle with one or more of these symptoms on a daily basis and have done so for a number of years, it’s likely that you may have persistent depressive disorder.
Tips For Overcoming Persistent Depressive Disorder
If you or someone you know is dealing with persistent depression, it’s important to know that there are several things you can do to work towards breaking free of the hold that it has on your life, including:
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- Build a Strong Circle of Support
- Try Relaxation and Meditation Techniques
- Engage in Regular Exercise
- Join a Support Group
- Follow a Healthy Diet
Seeking Help From a Psychologist For Treatment of Persistent Depressive Disorder
Due to the chronic nature of persistent depression, many individuals living with the disorder will adjust to going through the motions of daily life without being truly present or experiencing joy and satisfaction. This new state of normalcy can make it difficult to overcome the disorder by means of self-care practices alone. Effective recovery is often only achieved through professional treatment from a licensed clinical psychologist.
Get Depression Treatment in Beverly Hills at Blair Wellness Group
At Blair Wellness Group, we offer comprehensive counseling, therapy, and treatment services for those struggling with persistent depressive disorder as well as a variety of other mental health conditions. Under the compassionate and supportive care of Dr. Cassidy Blair, clients can achieve freedom from their challenges and will get the guidance they need to live a happier and more fulfilling life.
If you’ve been looking for a psychologist in Beverly Hills or the Greater Los Angeles area, contact Blair Wellness Group at 310.999.4996 to schedule an appointment. We offer in-person, telephone meetings, teletherapy, and virtual sessions.
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Discover effective solutions for addiction at Blair Wellness Group today. Call us at 310.999.4996 to schedule an appointment. We welcome patients from Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, and the close-by areas. We offer evening and weekend appointments for our concierge patients and all patients upon request.
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Looking For a Local Psychologist?
We offer evening and weekend appointments for our concierge patients and all patients upon request. Call us today at 310-999-4996 to discuss how Blair Wellness Group can help you overcome addiction,
depression, anxiety, relationship issues, and other disorders.