Depression is a common mental health condition characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness. While everyone experiences occasional feelings of sadness, depression is more severe and long-lasting, interfering with daily life and well-being.

Symptoms of Depression

• Emotional symptoms: Persistent sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness; feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness; irritability; loss of interest in activities once enjoyed; thoughts of death or suicide.
• Cognitive symptoms: Difficulty concentrating, remembering details, or making decisions; slowed thinking or speech; indecisiveness.
• Physical symptoms: Fatigue or decreased energy; changes in appetite or weight; insomnia or excessive sleep; aches and pains; headaches; digestive problems.

Causes of Depression

The exact causes of depression are complex and not fully understood, but a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental factors may contribute. These include:

• Genetics: A family history of depression can increase the risk.
• Brain chemistry: Imbalances in neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and norepinephrine, may play a role.
• Life events: Stressful life events, such as loss of a loved one, job loss, or financial difficulties, can trigger depression.
• Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as thyroid disorders or chronic pain, can contribute to depression.
• Substance abuse: Alcohol and drug abuse can increase the risk of depression.

Seeking Help

If you're struggling with depression, it's important to seek professional help. Anza Wellness offers a variety of services to address depression. Our mental health professionals can provide therapy, medication management, and support to help you manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life.

Our team will work with you to restructure your thinking and behavior, letting you learn new coping skills. The program components include:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): A type of therapy that focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors.  
• Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT): A therapy that teaches mindfulness, emotion regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, and distress tolerance skills.
• Mental health education: Learning about depression and its treatment can help you manage your condition.
• Complimentary therapies: Exploring complementary therapies, such as meditation or yoga, may provide additional support.
• Pharmacological interventions: In some cases, medication may be helpful in managing depression symptoms.

Remember, you are not alone. Anza Wellness is here to support you.