Depression Therapy in West Des Moines, IA
Are you feeling blue, sad, and unmotivated? Do you feel a lack of interest in the activities you once enjoyed? Do you feel tired, fatigued, and hopeless? Are you anxious, with little appetite, irritable? Do you have difficulty sleeping, working, studying, making decisions?
These symptoms of depression may be present in mild, moderate, or severe levels. But, to be diagnosed with depression, the symptoms must be present for at least two weeks.
NOTE: if you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, please visit your local Emergency Department. Or, call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 800-273-8255.
Causes of Depression
Depression can be caused by:
- Family history (genetics)
- History of abuse
- Certain medications
- Age (more common in elderly)
- Gender (more common in women)
- Major life events (divorce, retirement)
- Social isolation
- Substance use
- Other scenarios or health conditions
If you are experiencing depression, know that you are not alone. Depression is a very common condition in the US (check the statistics HERE). Fortunately, depression is very treatable! We can help with depression therapy in West Des Moines, IA.
Types of Depression
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
This is the classic type of depression. When you have major depression you may feel like your dark mood is all-consuming. Or, you may have lost interest in activities you used to enjoy. Symptoms of major depression include trouble sleeping, appetite or weight changes, loss of energy, and feeling worthless. Thoughts of death or suicide may occur.
It is usually treated with therapy and medication. But, for some people with severe depression, electroconvulsive therapy may be effective. This is for cases where symptoms do not improve with therapy or medications.
Persistent Depressive Disorder (dysthymia)
Dysthymia is a depressed mood that lasts for at least two years. A person diagnosed with dysthymia may have episodes of major depression and periods of less severe symptoms. Symptoms must last for two years to be considered a persistent depressive disorder.
Postpartum Depression (PPD)
Postpartum depression is much more serious than the “baby blues” that many women experience after giving birth. Women with postpartum depression experience major depression during pregnancy or after delivery. This may include feelings of extreme sadness, anxiety, and exhaustion. Therefore, it may be hard for new mothers to care for themselves and/or their babies.
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
This is like premenstrual syndrome (PMS) but is more serious. PMDD causes severe irritability, depression, or anxiety the week or two before your menstrual period. Then, the symptoms will usually go away two to three days after your menstrual period starts.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
SAD is characterized by the onset of depression during the winter months when there is less natural sunlight. Then, this type of depression will generally lift during the spring and summer months. Winter depression, is often accompanied by social withdrawal, increased sleep, and weight gain. Additionally, the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder predictably return every fall or winter.
Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)
This refers to a childhood condition. DMDD involves extreme irritability, anger, and frequent, intense temper outbursts. Symptoms go beyond being “moody” to severe impairment that requires clinical attention.
Our Approach to Depression Therapy in West Des Moines, IA
Our team of therapists uses different approaches to treat depression. We tailor our approach to meet your specific needs. Some of these therapeutic approaches include Cognitive and Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy, and Schema Therapy.
Please visit the clinical profiles of our therapists to decide which clinician would be a better fit for your depression therapy needs.
Begin Depression Therapy in West Des Moines, IA
If you are struggling with any of these forms of depression, our caring therapists would be honored to help you. You deserve support in overcoming your depression symptoms so you can live a joyful life. Our team assists clients from our West Des Moines, IA-based therapy practice, and throughout the state via online therapy. To start your therapy journey, please follow these simple steps:
1. Contact us online to ask questions or schedule an appointment.
2. Start depression therapy and live a more hopeful life!
