Does Depression Ever Go Away Completely? By Amanda Young LCSW

Depression can affect people in a way that we have never seen coming. Many people do not know what

depression is and if it will ever go away. Below, I will define what depression is, risk factors and

treatment. I will also answer the question, “Does depression ever go away completely?

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is the most common form of depression and can ebb and flow

throughout a person's lifetime. Symptoms typically associated with MDD include:

-Depressed mood or feeling sad

-Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed

-Significant changes in your weight or appetite

-Sleep issues

-Feeling tired or fatigued

-Feeling worthless or guilty

-Thoughts of death or suicide

-Increased feelings of agitation

-Trouble thinking, concentrating, or making decisions

Symptoms of depression must be present for at least two weeks and interfere with your functioning. When

depression has been present for two years or more, persistent depressive disorder, formerly known as

dysthymia may be the right diagnosis.

There are risk factors that play a role in depression such as genetics, environmental factors, personality

factors and biochemistry, which puts a person at more risk to develop depression. Biochemistry is

differences in certain chemicals in the brain that may contribute to symptoms of depression and genetics

is when depression can run in families. Personality means people with low self-esteem, who are easily

overwhelmed by stress, or who are generally pessimistic appear to be more likely to experience

depression. Environmental factors are continuous exposure to violence, neglect, abuse or poverty may

make some people more vulnerable to depression.

In addition, depression can occur as a result from everyday stressors such as work, school, family,

divorce, death and unforeseen lifestyle changes. Depression also can be a result of a health condition such

as postpartum, thyroid or brain injury.

So to answer the question above, depression does not go away but it can be reduced to where you are no

longer experiencing symptoms daily. Depression does not have a cure but it can be managed where it is no

longer affecting your ability to function. Depression can be inhibited with psychotherapy (talk therapy),

lifestyle changes such as exercise, healthy eating and at times medication. Depression can be in remission

for a few days, weeks, years or even months but learning your triggers and being open to change can help

your depression from becoming worse. Niyyah Counseling Pllc has a variety of therapists that are readily

available to speak with you. If you feel you need to talk to someone to gain more insight please feel free to

book a free 15 minute consultation with one of our staff by clicking the link

https://www.niyyahcounselingpllc.com/our-team.

What Are Co-morbid Conditions of Depression? By Kara N Bradford, BS, LCDC, LMSW

First of all, what is a co-morbid condition? A condition is considered to be co-morbid when the symptoms occur at the same time or alongside another condition. As far as mental health goes, comorbidity is a relatively new concept as the symptoms and diagnostic criteria for mental health disorders have become more defined. Depression is one of the top three most common mental health disorders in the United States; additionally, the most common to experience a co-morbid condition. So, what are some common co-morbid conditions of depression? The most common disorders to occur with depression are anxiety disorders, substance use disorders (SUD), personality disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). 

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) estimates that 60% of people who struggle with anxiety also suffer from symptoms of depression and vise-versa. Though professionals cannot definitively say why depression and anxiety are so commonly co-morbid, there are a few things that inform us as to why this happens so frequently. One of the reasons may be that due to the visible overlap in symptoms of the two conditions, it is entirely possible that they both come from the same parts of the brain and rely on the same chemical messengers, i.e. serotonin. 

Recent studies have shown that one-third of people suffering from depression also have a co-morbid SUD. Additionally, this population has shown to have greater instances of death by suicide than any other comorbidity. This reason could largely be due to the fact that typically, people who struggle with SUD often isolate themselves and experience other things that increase the risk of developing depression such as job loss, strained relationships, or financial strain, due to their struggle with substances. 

According to recent literature reviews, up to 90% of people who live with personality disorders–especially borderline personality disorder (BPD)–also meet criteria for depression. Being that personality disorders stem from the inability or difficulty to control mood and emotions, it is not surprising that someone living with a personality disorder may struggle with symptoms of a mood disorder, such as depression.

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-V), comorbidity of OCD and depression occurs at a rate of almost 41% of people who suffer from OCD. Additionally, people who suffer from OCD usually do not meet criteria for depression until after OCD diagnosis. Interestingly enough, researchers believe that this happens due to the stress people’s OCD symptoms cause on an individual level, but also due to the stress that may have built from problems at home or work created by their OCD symptoms. 

The comorbidity of PTSD and depression is very common, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) suggests that “approximately half” of the people who struggle with PTSD also suffer from depression. Some of the reason for this is due to the fact that many of their symptoms and diagnostic criteria overlap; however, there is a great deal of research currently studying a biological component for an explanation of this as well. In the article cited above, the researchers suggest that the comorbidity of PTSD and depression is a “trauma-related phenotype.”

Now that we know the common co-morbid conditions of depression, what does it mean? It means that it is possible to experience more than one diagnosis at a time, but also that this occurrence is common, and that there are so many different approaches to treating both conditions simultaneously. Do some co-morbidities make treatment more difficult? Sure, that’s possible; however, treatment in and of itself can be difficult when treating just one disorder as well. The therapists at Niyyah Counseling PLLC describe themselves as eclectic, meaning that your treatment is individualized for you with what works for you. No two people are alike. No two experiences are alike. Reach out today and let us support you in your first steps toward recovery!

How Low Self-Esteem Ties To Depression By Amanda Young, LCSW

There is not much research out there to identify the correlation between low self esteem and depression but there is a link. The way we think and see ourselves impact our mood as well as our outlook on life. Low self-esteem is characterized by a lack of confidence and feeling badly about oneself. People with low self-esteem often feel unlovable, awkward, unworthy or incompetent. Self esteem is also a core belief about how we view ourselves. Individuals who suffer low self esteem are more prone to negative thoughts, feeling rejected, over-thinkers, hypersensitive, hyper-alert and hyper-vigilant. Low self esteem has us looking for something that is not there and can affect our mood based on our own thoughts about ourselves or what we think others are thinking about us. 

How we view ourselves and the way we feel can impact our mood. If we think negatively about ourselves, not being accepted by others, constantly feeling rejected,  feeling worthless can put us in a bad headspace. Overthinking, making poor decisions that reinforces how we are feeling, listening to our  inner critic and believing things that are not true affects how we feel.  Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. Depression affects how you feel, think and behave and can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems. This too is the same for self esteem.

Cognitive distortions about self and others can make you feel bad and lead to a warp sense of identity which can keep you in a low place and mood. These negative thoughts become a cycle which play over and over in your head further reducing your worth and your confidence about yourself. And feeling that others find you no good or the world is too hard can make you feel lonely and overwhelmed, both of which also can contribute to depression. However, with help you can gain tools to overcome negative thoughts, talk about your feelings, stabilize your mood and increase your self esteem.

Below are a few things that you can do to increase self esteem which in turn will reduce depression and increase your mood. 

• Recognize and challenge negative thoughts-Analyze the evidence to confirm or deny your thoughts.

• Practice having grace and self compassion for yourself-everyone is entitled to have some shortcomings but do not allow those things to define you. Learn from them, to be better the next time around,

• Surround yourself with positive people-people who can speak life to you and build on your strengths.

• Avoid comparing yourself to others-when you compare, you are robbed of your happiness. Celebrating your individuality is key to embracing everything you have to offer and more.

• Talk to a professional-Sometimes we don’t or can’t figure out how to pick ourselves back up and that o.k. By talking with a professional who is not judgmental and provides a safe spot is powerful.

• Self care-Taking a break and catering to yourself can start helping you increase your esteem.

Again, the above list is not an exhaustive list. The key is understand why you feel the way you do, your triggers and how to change these thoughts. I believe that once your self esteem increases, then your depression will decrease which will help elevate your mood. At Niyyah Counseling, we have a diverse group of therapists who can meet with you for a 15 min consultation to gain an idea about the issues you are dealing with. Please call us today if you need assistance and one of our therapists will be willing to talk to you, https://www.niyyahcounselingpllc.com/our-team.

What is Existential Depression? By Kara N Bradford, BS, LCDC, LMSW

When you break down each word within ‘existential depression’, you get: philosophy about the meaning of human existence (existential) and a mental health condition whose symptoms can cause distress in many areas of your life (depression). That is a very broad and basic definition, so let’s break it down further. Have you ever heard of someone going through an existential crisis? This typically happens when someone experiences something that either changes the course of their lives or brings them close to death, which you can imagine, could cause someone to question their purpose or the meaning of life. It is normal as humans to question our existence due to the desire that we have to feel like we have purpose, especially as we move along in the stages of development. Pondering existence and purpose become problematic when the thoughts begin negatively impacting our relationships, our jobs, or our will to continue living.

You may be wondering what could trigger an existential crisis that leads to depression. There is a common misconception that the majority of people who experience existential crisis or existential depression are those in middle adulthood or maturity (age 40+), commonly referred to as “midlife crisis.” Sure, at that point in life, there may be an increased amount of people who become concerned about their purpose in life, what kind of mark they feel they have made on the world, or what the meaning of their life or life in general is; however, existential thoughts can occur at many other important points in development such as high school graduation, choosing a college major, career path, chronic illness, divorce, or loss. At these points in life, we have the freedom to choose, but making those decisions can sometimes seem difficult when the ultimate decision feels life-altering. Experiencing existential thoughts while making these decisions can cause you to feel a great deal of distress, which can lead to developing symptoms of depression. 

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-V), does not include existential depression as a condition or as a specifier; however, this does not mean that what you may be feeling is not real. There are many subtypes of depression listed in the DSM-V that exist due to severity and variations in symptoms. While you may experience uncontrollable tearful spells, sadness, lack of motivation, and other common depression symptoms, if you are struggling with existential depression, you may also experience distinct thought patterns surrounding questions about your identity, life, and death. There have been research questions that have eluded to whether or not existential depression is only a part of the grieving process. We know that depression is a stage of grief that typically everyone will experience; however, the depression symptoms usually subside by the end of the grieving process. Researchers tend to agree that if the symptoms are experienced for longer than two weeks, that it is possible you could be suffering from clinical depression. 

Research suggests that existential depression can be treated using the same treatment methods used to treat other common forms of depression. Common treatment usually consists of antidepressant medications in combination with talk therapy such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), or Solution Focused Therapy (SFT). The therapists at Niyyah Counseling PLLC are trained in these treatment modalities and are experienced in working within interdisciplinary teams (primary care physicians, psychiatrists, etc.) to offer holistic and individualized treatment. We desire to guide you through your road to recovery. Reach out today to schedule an appointment, we have several therapists with immediate availability! 

Coping with Depression Following a Heart Attack or Other Medical Emergency By Kara N Bradford, BS, LCDC, LMSW

If you have recently had a heart attack or other medical emergency, it is likely that you may be flooded by emotions. Think about it–you have survived a catastrophic medical event that some people survive but that many also do not. That’s a big deal. Experiencing feelings of depression are common after having a heart attack–the American Heart Association refers to it as ‘the cardiac blues’– and symptoms usually subside in a couple of weeks, but that does not mean that these feelings and emotions do not cause distress. There may not be a ‘the ______ blues’ for your lived medical emergency experience, but that does not minimize the impact it may have on your mental health. Though there is no evidence that directly links depression to heart disease or any other disease, it is interesting that many of the symptoms of depression are risk factors for these diseases; for example, isolation can fuel a sedentary lifestyle which can increase the risk of poor diet, overeating, and increased risk of substance abuse. All in all, it is difficult to say that a specific medical emergency–such as a heart attack–causes depression, but it is fair to say that it could exacerbate what may have already been present. 

So, you’re home from the hospital with specific orders of what can and cannot be done for a certain amount of time, you may have physical therapy beginning soon, you probably will not be released to drive or go back to work for a few weeks, and you are wondering…what now?

If you’re feeling alone, reach out to family and friends for support. Even if they are not nearby, just engaging in conversation over the phone or video chat can help with those feelings. If you don’t have family or friends that you feel like you can reach out to for support, there may be community groups that share your lived experience that may understand what you’re going through and be able to provide support. If there is not a group available in your community, there are so many online support groups that facilitate group meetings over numerous video chat softwares.

If you’re feeling depressed, there are self-coping strategies that can help with these feelings. Studies have shown that participating in things that decrease stress can also help decrease symptoms of depression; things such as exercise, a balanced diet and consistent eating patterns, and getting a good quality sleep. If some of those things seem impossible to focus on right now, think about some things that you have enjoyed in the past that relieve stress. Maybe reading is a place of comfort for you; go to your local library or purchase an ebook that sounds interesting to you. Have you thought about picking up a coloring book and some crayons, colored pencils, or markers, and spending some time coloring? There are studies that support the idea that coloring helps reduce stress. If the symptoms of depression linger on for more than 2 weeks and are causing significant distress to any areas of your life, reach out to your physician or a mental health professional for help. There are many ways to treat depression and you deserve to make the choice that is best for you. 

If you’re feeling anxious, know that this feeling is normal. Again, you have just experienced a catastrophic medical event that can leave you feeling vulnerable and fearful. You may have fear that you will experience the emergency again, which can cause anxiety and present with physical symptoms such as high pulse rate, hyperventilation, feeling ill, or feeling very hot or very cold, which can cause more anxiety. Feelings of anxiety can be triggered by feelings of stress or worry, so try things that are going to help you focus on what you’re feeling in the moment–not what could potentially happen. Practice grounding techniques that use your senses to keep you in the present moment to formulate a plan of action as far as coping. Again, if these feelings persist, there are multiple options available to treat them. Reach out to your physician or mental health professional for help. 

The therapists at Niyyah Counseling PLLCare prepared to help you navigate this time of feeling overwhelmed and uncomfortable. Our desire is to walk alongside you on your journey to recovery and support you in whatever that looks like for you. Many, if not all of us, are eclectic in our approach to therapy and believe it should be individualized to fit your needs.Reach out today!

Signs of Depression in Elderly People by Amanda Young, LCSW

Depression (major depressive disorder) is a common and serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think and how you act. Fortunately, it is also treatable. Depression causes feelings of sadness and/or a loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed. It can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems and can decrease your ability to function at work and at home.

Depression can affect anyone and it does not discriminate no matter what age, religion, socioeconomic class, ethnicity, race, or gender you identify with. There are several factors that can contribute to depression such as biochemistry, genetics, personality and environmental factors. 

Depression symptoms can range from mild to severe and co-occur with other medical conditions. It can be hard to identify depression in elderly but below are some symptoms that might be overlooked due to different changes in their health. The following list are common symptoms of depression: 

• Feelings of sadness or having a depressed mood

• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed

• Changes in appetite — weight loss or gain unrelated to dieting

• Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much

• Loss of energy or increased fatigue

• Increase in purposeless physical activity (e.g., inability to sit still, pacing, handwringing) or slowed movements or speech (these actions must be severe enough to be observable by others)

• Feeling worthless or guilty

• Difficulty thinking, concentrating or making decisions

• Thoughts of death or suicide

In addition, seniors who suffer from depression signs are fatigue, experiences changes in sleeping or eating, sadness, anxiety, trouble focusing, physical illness and mood changes in addition to the signs listed above. The main two signs are social isolation and loneliness. Seniors can be triggered by losing their spouses, feeling alone or isolated, health issues, changes in where they live, life decisions and medication that they are taking for health related issues. If you or a loved one needs further help with understanding or dealing with depression please contact our team at Niyyah Counseling PLLC, and we will be more than happy to assist you. 

What Are Common Depression Triggers by Nabiha Hasan, LMSW

Depression is a condition which affects a significant number of individuals around the world. It can be experienced by some chronically, and others from time to time due to a variety of factors. There are numerous reasons why one may experience depressive symptoms, as individuals react to triggers and changes differently from person to person. The focus of our article today is going to be on common reasons how and why some things may influence hormonal changes in one’s brain, triggering symptoms of depression. 

Seasonal changes. ‘Tis the season to be…not so jolly. Interestingly enough, seasonal changes can affect one’s mental state to the extent of triggering depression. We thought allergies were enough to dislike seasonal changes, right?! Nope, if you ever feel a wave of sadness, check the weather and time of year to help you determine if it is about time for a season change. Additionally, where you are geographically can also affect the extent of the changes occurring in the air around you; in Texas, for example, the season change can be most noticeable during the spring, when allergies can be at their highest peak!

Medication/substances. You may or may not notice that a change in medication or use of substances can impact your mental health significantly. Medications and substances have properties in them which can cause a chemical imbalance in the brain. Some substances, such as alcohol, are a depressant, meaning they will cause you to experience depressive symptoms after taking them. Individuals will often not realize this, and in turn drink more to help them numb the symptoms of depression. Next time you feel depressed, take note of whether or not you took any substances throughout the day, and if that had a potential correlation with your change in mood.

Lifestyle. Possibly some of the most noticeable factors contributing to depression would be a significant change in one’s life. The loss of a relationship due to death, divorce, or other factor may cause one to experience symptoms of depression. Grief may result in one having waves of depression, similarly described as waves of grief after the loss of a close person in one’s life. Suffering from a job loss or being in an abusive relationship are other things which could trigger depression. Having a baby can result in a condition known as postpartum depression, which also can become serious if not addressed in its earlier stages. Cultural and socioeconomic factors, which are often ongoing throughout one’s life, are other things which can trigger one to experience depressive symptoms.

Depression is a significant mental health concern which should be addressed before it can become serious. Nonetheless, if you feel that your depression is becoming difficult to bear, know that help is closeby. At Niyyah Counseling, we are trained and seasoned professionals who have experience working with all types of mental health needs, depression included. You may reach out to us by seeing our contact information on www.niyyahcounselingpllc.com. Help is a click, chat, or phone call away.