If a person feels de-pressed, they feel down-pressed—sunken, dejected. People with depression either have a mood like this, or they have a loss of interest in things they would normally enjoy, or they have both. They also might: eat far more or far less (not because of dieting), feel tired, sleep too little or too much, have a lot of guilt and feelings of worthlessness, find it difficult to concentrate or make decisions, move and speak slowly or seem fidgety, and have thoughts of suicide.

What causes depression? 

There are many factors that can lead to depression. For some, depression runs in the family. For others, it is the violence, neglect, abuse, or poverty they experienced or continue to face. Sometimes, hormonal changes can lead to depression. Other risk factors include drug or alcohol abuse, chronic illness or pain, and having certain personality traits (e.g. having low self-esteem, being easily stressed, being pessimistic, or being self-critical). There are also those who have depression because of all these factors.

Is there a difference between depression and sadness or grief?

If one of your loved ones dies, if you have a relationship that ends, or if you lose a job, it is normal to feel sad and to grieve. It is possible for this to turn into depression, but that must mean you have a majority of the aforementioned symptoms (e.g. depressed mood, loss of interest, etc.). So sadness and grief do not always lead to depression. But when these symptoms take over your life and impair your ability to work, play, study, maintain relationships, and care for yourself, you may have depression. Be sure to check with your counselor or mental health professional if you think you are experiencing depression. 

Lansing Counseling offers counseling for depression

Our licensed depression therapists utilize evidence-based practices. This means that treatments used are supported by research. While healers have taken various forms within various world cultures throughout history, psychotherapy has been shown to be an effective and powerful treatment for depression. Our depression therapy treatments such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Psychodynamic Therapy, Interpersonal Process Therapy (IPT), Person-Centered Therapy, Behavioral interventions, and more. Typically, your counselor will integrate approaches to customize the best treatment approach for you individually. If you would like to learn more about our depression counseling services in East Lansing, MI, click here.