Depression Treatment in New York
What is Depression?
Depression is a mental health condition characterized by sadness, negative mood, low energy, loss of interest in pleasurable activities, change in appetite, and disrupted sleep patterns. These symptoms are persistent for at least two weeks and cause noticeable disruption in daily functioning. Depression is a very common disorder that many people experience at some point in their lives. Intensive outpatient depression therapy is a combination of active behavior changes, cognitive (thought) restructuring, and medication when necessary.
What are examples of depressive disorders?
Major Depressive Disorder (or Major Depression/Unipolar Disorder)
Major Depressive Disorder is marked by the persistent feeling of sadness or loss of interest or pleasure in previously enjoyable activities. It can lead to a range of behavioral and physical symptoms including changes in sleep, appetite, energy level, concentration, daily behavior, or self-esteem. Depression can also be associated with thoughts of suicide. Individuals suffering from Depression can also have symptoms of Anxiety.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Seasonal Affective Disorder is a period of major depression that most often happens during the winter months, when the days grow short and you get less and less sunlight. It typically goes away in the spring and summer.
It is estimated that 10 million people in the United States are affected by Seasonal Affective Disorder
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
Individuals with PMDD have Depression and other symptoms at the start of their period.
In addition to feelings of Depression, individuals may also experience:
Anxiety
Change in appetite or sleep habits
Fatigue
Feelings of being overwhelmed
Irritability
Mood swings
Trouble concentrating
Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia)
Persistent Depressive Disorder is mild but long-term form of Depression and is defined as a “low mood” occurring for at least two years, along with at least two other symptoms of Depression. Examples of symptoms include lost interest in normal activities, hopelessness, low self-esteem, low appetite, low energy, sleep changes, and poor concentration.
Psychotic Depression
Individuals with Psychotic Depression have the symptoms of Major Depression along with "psychotic" symptoms, such as:
Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren't there)
Delusions (false beliefs)
Paranoia (wrongly believing that others are trying to harm you)
Atypical Depression (or Depression with Atypical Features)
Atypical Depression means that your depressed mood can brighten in response to positive events. Other key symptoms include increased appetite, sleeping too much, feeling that your arms or legs are heavy, and feeling rejected.
Atypical Depression can be fairly common and can affect how you feel, think and behave. It can lead to emotional and physical problems, as well including trouble doing normal day-to-day activities and feeling like there is little value in life.
Depression is very common and can be treated with the assistance of a therapist or medical professional.
Bipolar Disorder
Someone with Bipolar Disorder, which is also sometimes called “manic depression,” has mood episodes that range from extremes of high energy with an "up" mood to low "depressive" periods.
When in the low phase, an individual will have the symptoms of Major Depression.
Peripartum (Postpartum) Depression
Women who have Major Depression in the weeks and months after childbirth may have Peripartum Depression. Approximately one in 10 men also experience depression in the peripartum period.
One in 8 women report symptoms of depression after giving birth. (Source: CDC)
Other Depressive Disorder
Other Depressive Disorder is characterized by clusters of symptoms with characteristics of a depressive disorder that do not meet the full criteria for other depressive disorders but that cause clinically significant distress or impairment of functioning.
Included are recurrent periods of dysphoria (i.e., a state of unease or generalized dissatisfaction with life) with four or more other depressive symptoms that last for less than two weeks in people who have never met criteria for another mood disorder (i.e., recurrent brief depression) and depressive periods that last longer but that include insufficient symptoms for diagnosis of another depressive disorder.
How we treat depression at City Center Psychotherapy
City Center therapists specialize in treating depression through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT. Research has shown that CBT is an effective treatment for depressive disorders.
Cognitive Behavioral therapists work with clients to modify thought patterns—habitual ways thinking, using particular assumptions—in order to change moods and behaviors. CBT is based on the idea that negative actions or feelings are the result of current distorted beliefs or thoughts, not unconscious forces from the past.
With a therapist, you will work to recognize how negative thought patterns influence your feelings. By recognizing and changing negative thought patterns, as well as changing behaviors that lead to the worsening of depression, CBT can help you better manage issues of depression and feel better. Psychoeducation about why depression occurs and exercises also support positive outcomes for clients.
*Telehealth (online) therapy available.
Meet Roman.
Roman was a talented IT professional with a steady job, an apartment of his own, and a loving family. Despite all of this, he felt sad, empty, and disinterested in activities outside of work. His depression had slowly worsened over the past year and he developed a habit of isolating himself every weekend. With online therapy sessions for depression we helped Roman create a behavioral plan that challenged him to socialize with friends at least once per week and to spend at least an hour each day working on his photography - something he knew he loved but never felt motivated to do. We also helped Roman identify his negative self beliefs and learn how to reframe these beliefs to develop a more positive and growth-oriented view of himself.
Client names, photos, and other identifying details have been changed to maintain confidentiality.
What are the steps to begin Depression therapy?
At City Center Psychotherapy, we’re here to help. Contact us today to hear more about treatment options in New York and how to get started.