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.

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.