Depression

What is depression?

Depression is more than temporary sadness or low energy. It’s a long-lasting mental health disorder that causes persistent mood changes and loss of pleasure in once-enjoyed activities. Depression can make you feel disconnected, isolated, and out of tune with your body.

With extensive experience working with individuals in crisis, such as nurses, emergency responders, and other frontline workers, the Front Line Therapy of Texas, LLC team takes a holistic approach to depression treatment. 

What are the most common signs of depression?

Depression can manifest in unexpected ways, affecting your relationships, work performance, appearance, and overall quality of life. Common warning signs include:

• Sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness
• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed
• Changes in appetite or weight
• Sleep disturbances, such as insomnia or oversleeping
• Fatigue or loss of energy
• Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Irritability or agitation
• Headaches, digestive problems, or unexplained aches and pains
• Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts

Seeking professional support is the most effective way to manage your symptoms in the long term.

Can anybody have depression?

Yes. An estimated 21 million American adults experienced at least one major depressive episode in 2021 alone, according to the National Institute of Mental Health, making it one of the most common mental health disorders.

Common depression triggers include:

• Stress
• Traumatic events
• Social isolation
• Certain personality traits (low self-esteem, pessimism, etc.)
• Some medication, including corticosteroids and anticonvulsants
• Menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause
• Social isolation
• Underlying medical conditions, such as diabetes and hypertension

The Front Line Therapy of Texas, LLC team works with you to understand how these underlying triggers may contribute to your depression symptoms. 

What are the most effective treatments for depression?

The main treatment for depression is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which can help identify and challenge negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to depression. 

CBT teaches you coping skills, problem-solving techniques, and strategies to change unhelpful beliefs to manage symptoms more effectively and prevent relapse.

Front Line Therapy of Texas, LLC also specializes in critical incident stress management (CISM), a technique that addresses your immediate emotional and psychological needs following traumatic events. 

Integrating CISM into your care plan immediately after a traumatic incident may help reduce your chances of lasting depression. Call Front Line Therapy of Texas, LLC or schedule an appointment online to get help for depression today.