Depression is not a simple psychological condition. Its origins and development can be complex. Those who suffer from depression may spend years struggling with the condition, still without being able to describe why they feel the way they do. There is, however, a significant body of research regarding depression– and answers for those who have questions.
Understanding Depression: What Is It?
Known in the past by such creative terms as “melancholy” or “the blues,” depression, as described by the Mayo Clinic, is a mood disorder affecting the brain. It causes you to experience feelings of sadness or lose interest in pursuits that once brought you pleasure. These feelings reach a point where they can affect your daily life. They may even cause you to believe that being alive isn’t worthwhile.
Depression is not a character flaw or a reflection on you as a person. It is a medical condition.
Understanding Depression: How Does Depression Develop?
Depression can develop due to a wide range of conditions. These can include:
- Lower levels of chemicals that affect mood in the brain. These include dopamine and serotonin.
- Experiencing a traumatic event or loss.
- Being triggered by something that connects back to an originating trauma.
- Genetic factors that link depression to previous generations in your family.
Depression is not caused by one individual factor, but instead can develop for various reasons that are rooted in biology, genetics, environmental issues, and life experiences. This means that just about anyone could be likely to experience depression over the course of their lifetime.
Understanding Depression: Symptoms
Symptoms of depression can be:
- Lack of interest in enjoyable activities.
- Feeling tired or low energy.
- Lack of appetite.
- Trouble concentrating or staying focused.
- Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, guilt, worthlessness.
- Feelings of death or suicide.
Understanding Depression: Therapy Techniques to Treat Depression
Depression is a treatable condition, and we know a lot about how to help those who have depression. There is no one-shot solution. Finding relief requires the use of several different techniques, such as:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: This treatment is where you and your therapist work together to identify problems and dispute irrational thoughts to develop workable solutions.
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy: A therapy practice that centers on mindfulness, acceptance, and change.
- Transpersonal Depression Therapy: Focuses on spirituality and can help those who have existential feelings related to depression, such as for those experiencing a mid-life crises or thoughts that it is not worthwhile to be alive.
When you see a therapist, you have the opportunity to understand depression and why you feel the way you do.
Understanding Depression: Practical Steps You Can Take at Home
By gaining a better understanding of depression, you can make positive choices at home. Some tangible steps you can take are :
- Eat a healthy diet: This means cutting out the sugar and empty carbs for foods rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals.
- Get enough vitamin D: This vitamin has been known to contribute to mood.
- Exercise regularly: Not just good for your body, exercise aids in the release of chemicals that can affect mood for your brain.
- Have fun: Participate in the activities you enjoy. Even better, learn a new skill or hobby
- Socialize: Spend time with friends and family.
Understanding Depression: Medication Options
Medications, when combined with therapy, can be helpful for those who have depression. Some common drugs include Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI’s) like Paxil and Zoloft. For those looking for an alternative to medication, the plant Kava, which is from the South Pacific, may have value. However, before taking any kind of medication, it is important to seek out the advice of a psychiatrist.
Living with depression may seem like everyday is a struggle. Yet, by understanding depression, including its causes and symptoms, you can find treatment and make decisions that contribute to creating a better life.
"Igor is well trained in cutting-edge, research-based therapies. With his compassionate heart and presence, Igor is gifted at helping clients find resources to face even the most difficult challenges and develop healthier cognitive patterns and behaviors. Clients love Igor's warmth, openness and innovation." Tasha Medley MA, M.Ed., LPC, NCC, RPT -- Psychotherapist, Boulder, CO
"Igor Giusti is a profoundly gifted healer and spiritual guide. His deep knowledge of different styles of therapy is balanced by an equally deep knowledge of spiritual practice and literature. He really does practice what he teaches - integrating the mind, heart, and body together in a life dedicated to spiritual realization. He has studied extensively and done lengthy retreats. I know personally from working with him and observing him that his clinical perception is extremely precise and his responses very accurate and effective. He has clarity and intelligence, is heartful, caring, and also dedicated, strong, and incisive when needed. I can't think of a better guide in the process of getting
to know one's inner nature and bringing it into the world." Josh Medley MA, NCC, LPC -- Psychotherapist, Boulder, CO
"Igor is, first and foremost, a fine, sensitive human being, with a heightened self-awareness as well as a deep sense of compassion for other people. There is also a deep inner quiet about him, perhaps developed in his meditation practice. In addition to these aspects of emotional intelligence, empathy, self-awareness, and presence, he has a fine sense of humor." Deepesh Faucheux -- Adjunct Professor and Psychotherapist, Boulder, CO
"Igor’s greatest gifts are his somatic intelligence and compassionate heart. He is surprisingly attuned to the inner realm of sensations and feelings. He relates to the world from a spiritual and somatic felt sense, rather than from his mind alone. This makes him highly capable in guiding clients to become more embodied, in touch with their feelings, and grounded in their spiritual experiences while living in the world." Les McAllan PhD -- Retired Professor and Psychologist, Prescott AZ
Igor has a warm, open, and attentive presence. His warm listening capacity, keen curiosity, psychological depth, and insight are palpable. Igor is a transpersonally trained psychotherapist with group and individual experience, as well as a participant-explorer in other types of contemplative and psychological intra- and inter-personal work. He has great value for and emphasis on the body and his adept somatic awareness is evident by the way he can articulate—and help others get in touch with and articulate—bodily, emotional, and mental experiences. In general I would say Igor is a
grateful and joyful person. His affectionate and joyful nature make him desirable and delightful to be around. Jason Appt -- Assistant Professor and Psychotherapist, Boulder CO
