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By reading this article, you will:

• Better Understand Your Depression: Learn what depression is, why it occurs, and the emotional and physical symptoms that may accompany it
• Explore the Different Types of Depression: Gain insights into various forms of depression, from Major Depressive Disorder to Seasonal Affective Disorder, and understand how each can affect you
• Recognize the Link Between Anxiety and Depression: Understand how these conditions often coexist and how a therapist can tailor their approach to treat both effectively
• Learn About Effective Depression Treatments: Discover how proven techniques like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Skills Training can help manage depression
• Get Practical Tips for Daily Depression Management: Learn how you can supplement therapy with daily habits that help you deal with the effects of depression
• Find Supportive Depression Therapy: Our dedicated therapists are ready to provide you with the help that you deserve

It’s normal to feel sadness or disinterest from time to time—responding to life’s ups and downs is a natural part of human emotion. But some people stay in downswings for longer, or their feelings may persist for weeks, months, or even longer. Perhaps negative thoughts and emotions are becoming more frequent and intense. In these cases, people are experiencing a serious condition known as depression.

Depression can profoundly impact every aspect of life, negatively affecting energy levels, motivation and productivity, relationships, and overall happiness.

For those who struggle with depression, it may feel like things will never get better, but that’s not the case. Depression is not only treatable, but, with the right support, it’s possible to regain a sense of joy and satisfaction in life.

At Music City Psych in Nashville, our therapy team utilizes a combination of proven depression therapy strategies, active listening, and adaptability to help you navigate and overcome your struggles, setting the stage for a more fulfilling and vibrant life.

In this post, we’ll answer your questions about depression; what depression is, why it occurs, and some effective strategies for managing and treating it. If you’re looking for expert depression therapy in Nashville, read on to see how you can connect with a therapist and take the first step toward healing.

Understanding Depression: What Is Depression, and Why Does it Happen? 

While anyone can be depressed for a period of time, the condition of depression is more than just feeling sad or going through a “rough patch.” Depression is a serious mental health condition, and people experiencing it should seek appropriate treatment. Symptoms of depression vary and can include extended periods of sadness, sleep disturbances and fatigue, the loss of interest in activities one enjoys, changes in appetite, and difficulty in concentrating or performing tasks.

When depression takes hold, its symptoms often create a debilitating cycle that can keep people from performing to their abilities at work, maintaining self-health habits and relationships, and even completing day-to-day tasks. Recognizing these signs is the first step in a path to getting out of depression.

Why Do People Get Depressed? Exploring the Causes of Depression

Typically, depression doesn’t have any one cause but results from a complex interaction of social, psychological, and biological factors. Research suggests that major life changes, trauma, and stress can trigger an episode of depression, but it may also happen without any obvious catalyst. Here are some common contributors that can cause someone to develop depression:

• Genetic Factors: A family history of depression can increase the risk, suggesting a genetic link
• Biochemical Factors: Changes in brain chemistry or neurotransmitter activity can affect mood and depressive states
• Social Influences: Isolation, lack of friends and family, and negative social experiences that trigger low self-worth can contribute to depression
• Environmental Influences: Continuous exposure to violence, neglect, abuse, or poverty may make some people more vulnerable to depression

Are There Different Types of Depression?

While the clinical classification of depression is singular, we know that people experience it differently, and for different reasons. Thus, there are several types of depression that align with specific symptoms, durations, and triggers. For the purpose of effective diagnosis and subsequent treatment, it’s important to recognize these distinctions. Here are some of the most commonly recognized types of depression:

• Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): This is the classic form of depression. When someone has MDD, they experience symptoms like persistent sadness, a loss of pleasure or interest in activities that were previously enjoyable, agitation and anxiousness, trouble concentrating or making decisions, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, fatigue, and changes in weight. MDD can severely impact one’s relationships and functioning.
• Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD): PDD is classified by being less intense than MDD but longer-lasting. Previously split between “dysthymia,” or low-grade persistent depression, and “chronic major depression,” PDD is an ongoing form of depression that lasts for at least two years, often making life feel consistently dull or joyless. Accompanying symptoms of PDD may be long-term changes in appetite and sleep habits, lack of energy, low self-esteem, and hopelessness.
• Stress Response Syndrome, or Event-Triggered Depression: This is a type of depression related to a specific experience in someone who is otherwise not depressed. A person may experience depression for an extended time due to a breakup or divorce, the death of a friend or family member, illness, financial trouble or losing a job, or another event that causes significant amounts of stress. 
• Bipolar Disorder: Bipolar is not just a depressive disorder because it includes significant mood swings. People with bipolar disorder spend periods of time where they are “up,” with high amounts of energy and productivity, along with depressive low periods. These phases go back and forth, lasting for varying amounts of time.
• Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): This type of depression is related to changes in seasons. Most often, people with SAD experience depression that starts in the fall as sunlight diminishes and the weather gets colder, continuing through the winter. As spring arrives, depression lifts.
• Postpartum Depression: Most often occurring in women after giving birth to a child, this includes severe depressive episodes that impair the ability to manage daily tasks and care for the baby. As many as 10% of fathers can experience this type of depression as well.
• Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD): Another type of depression in women, PMDD is a more severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Occurring in the week or two leading up to a period, PMDD includes both emotional symptoms like mood swings, hopelessness, and anxiety as well as physical symptoms like pain, discomfort, and fatigue. 
• Atypical Depression: People with atypical depression meet many of the criteria for depression, but they may get temporary lifts in mood in relation to positive events that people with other types of depression don’t experience. In atypical depression, this “mood reactivity” is accompanied by other symptoms like excessive appetite, sleeping longer, being highly sensitive to rejection, and feeling weighed down.
• Psychotic Depression: This is a severe form of depression accompanied by some level of psychosis, such as delusion, paranoia, or hallucinations. Often, the psychoses are consistent with other depressive themes such as low self-worth.

While there are many different types of depression, none of them are insurmountable. A therapist for depression will consider the type of depression someone is experiencing to customize their approach and provide the most effective treatment.

If you’re ready to see a therapist for depression, reach out to Music City Psych in Nashville. Our expert team is ready to listen, identify your needs, and provide support.

Exploring the Link Between Anxiety and Depression

If you’re experiencing symptoms of depression along with bouts of anxiety, understand that’s not out of the ordinary. It’s estimated that 60% of people struggling with depression also have an anxiety disorder, and the reverse is also true. These conditions often overlap because they can have similar causes. 

Screening for the presence of both anxiety and depression is an integral part of a clinician’s assessment. Once identified, they can customize an effective therapy plan based on that individual’s needs. A skilled therapist will help their clients navigate these intertwined conditions, using integrated treatment strategies to enhance overall mental health and well-being.

Can Depression Be Treated?

Depression can be treated, but it’s important to understand that it’s not likely to go away on its own. If ignored, the symptoms of depression can persist or get more severe, generating negative impacts on one’s life along the way. Anyone who is experiencing the symptoms of depression, anxiety, or both should discuss what’s happening with a professional. 

Depending on the severity of symptoms and the type of depression, people may need psychotherapy or a combination of therapy and medication to realize the best possible outcomes.

How Depression Therapy Can Help

Therapy for depression is an effective way to help people by creating positive change in their lives. Through therapy, people struggling with depression can better understand their condition, develop mitigation strategies, reform negative thoughts, and more. Therapy isn’t just talking about feelings but a structured approach using evidence-based techniques to improve your mental health.

The therapists at Music City Psych specialize in a range of therapeutic techniques to combat depression. Here are a few of the strategies a therapist for depression can use:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT focuses on identifying, challenging, and changing the irrational, negative thought patterns that contribute to depressive symptoms. With the support of CBT, people learn to recognize when irrational thinking occurs and develop strategies to overcome it.
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): ACT provides those who struggle with depression with a way to accept what they are feeling and move on to something more positive. By not fighting these feelings, it becomes easier to tame them. Through ACT, people are able to move on from negativity or refocus on what really matters to them.
• Mindfulness Therapy: Mindfulness is a strategy that helps someone learn to manage their anxiety or depression by being open to and discussing the emotions and physical sensations they are feeling in the moment. Through mindfulness, people better understand how anxiety or depressive episodes evolve in their minds and bodies, helping them gain the control to ground themselves and combat it. 
• Skills Training: A therapist for depression may use skills training to help people develop routines to get them out of their rut. This helps to create incremental change that can boost self-esteem and motivation.

A skilled therapist can use a combination of these strategies and others to help someone battling with depression to lift themselves up and find real, effective change. By evaluating, listening, implementing evidence-based techniques, and monitoring results, a therapist for depression can customize the plan that’s right for you.

If you’re ready to do something about your depression, contact us today. We’re standing by to help you get the support that you deserve.

Steps You Can Take to Help Manage Depression

Therapy, and in some cases, medication, are the best ways to combat depression. But there is more that you can do to help yourself. By implementing a few lifestyle changes, you can combat symptoms of depression and create positive momentum in your daily life that may help stave off negative emotions. Here are a few things for you to try:

• Regular Exercise: Exercise can boost your mood through the release of endorphins, and it can improve your energy levels over time. It also creates a sense of accomplishment that can help you head in the right direction.
• Healthy Eating Habits: In addition to having something to feel good about yourself for doing, a healthy diet supports a better mood and better energy levels. Healthy eating also helps your digestive system, which can contribute to a positive disposition.
• Adequate Sleep: Getting enough sleep is an important part of mental health maintenance, but you don’t want to overdo it. Go to bed at the same time every night, and try to get 7-9 hours of sleep depending on what makes you feel the most rested and energetic for the next day.
• Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: You can reduce stress and enhance emotional well-being through practices like mindfulness, meditation, and yoga. Getting into nature is relaxing for many people as well.

Why Choose Music City Psych for Depression Therapy?

Music City Psych is a dedicated team of therapists in Nashville, Tennessee, who are passionate about helping people live their best lives. We use our expertise, active listening skills, and evidence-based techniques to customize treatment based on what’s right for you. Our integrated approach allows us to provide our clients with the best depression therapy in Nashville. We’re invested in your success, and we are ready to help you realize a better tomorrow.

If you’re struggling with depression, reach out to Music City Psych today to learn more about our depression therapy options in Nashville. We’re located near Belle Meade and Green Hills, with convenient access to downtown Nashville, Music Row, The Gulch, Hillsboro Village, Brentwood, and more. We also provide online therapy to residents throughout Tennessee, Florida, and New York.Schedule your initial consultation to start your journey towards a happier, healthier life. Whether you’re looking for face-to-face counseling or online therapy, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

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