We all inevitably experience the full range of emotions from sadness to joy. Just as we can know great peace and happiness, many of us also will have times when we confront struggle and unrest.
Feeling discouraged or sorrowful will be normal reactions to certain circumstances. If our troubled emotions become increasingly heavy, persistent and even debilitating, however, we may be dealing with depression, a clinically classified mood disorder.
Eunoia Counseling supports greater mental and emotional well-being through personal treatment for depression with the therapeutic tools and techniques that adapt to the individual.
What Is Depression?
Depression is a condition characterized by consistent thoughts and feelings of emptiness, sadness, doom and hopelessness. It affects different people in different ways. Some individuals might go through a difficult depressive episode once, while others might have recurring intense episodes throughout their lives.
Depression is one of the most common mental disorders in the United States. Common symptoms include:
- frequent sadness and crying
- easily provoked anger and irritability
- increasing loss of interest and pleasure
- poor or uneven sleep patterns
- regular fatigue and loss of energy
- rapid weight loss or gain
- lack of motivation
- frequent agitation or restlessness
- slowed thinking, speech or body movements
- difficulty concentrating
- feelings of self-blame, guilt and worthlessness
- unexplained pains and physical problems
- social withdrawal and greater isolation
- thoughts of death or suicide
In some cases, as symptoms build and continue, general depression can advance into clinical depression (major depressive disorder). The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) defines a major depressive episode as a period of at least two weeks in which a person experiences a depressed mood and has a majority of depressive symptoms.
If you or someone you care about suffers from depression and wonders how to help, there is hope, and the future can be a light to look forward to. With proper therapy and medical support, depression is a treatable condition that can be managed, eased and controlled.
What Causes Depression?
Despite our heightened awareness of depression as a disorder, it remains a subject of study. An exact cause of depression is yet to be pinpointed, but it is often associated with factors such as:
inner chemistry. Neurotransmitters are naturally occurring chemicals in our brain. Recent research suggests that changes in their function and effect, as well as their interaction with neurocircuits for maintaining mood stability, may notably influence depression and its treatment.
genetics. Depression tends to be more common among people whose blood relatives also have the condition or another mental disorder. Researchers are continuing to look for specific genes that cause depression.
childhood trauma. Intense events during formative years can influence how the sympathetic nervous system reacts to fear and stressful situations.
hormones. Alterations in the body’s hormone balance may trigger depression. Women are susceptible because of hormone changes during pregnancy and post-delivery. Other conditions such as thyroid problems or menopause can contribute to depression as well.
substance misuse. Substance-use disorders are often linked to depression.
major physical illness. Depression can appear among people with a serious ailment such as cancer, stroke, heart disease, Parkinson’s disease or chronic pain.
gender identity. Depression can be prevalent among unsupported transgender individuals.
certain medications. Some drugs have been associated with depression (e.g. sleeping pills, corticosteroids, hormonal birth control, high blood–pressure medicine).
vitamin D. Studies have linked depressive symptoms to low levels of vitamin D.
Depression: Statistics
Depression does not selectively choose individuals. According to the World Health Organization, it is the leading cause of disability and poor health throughout the world.
WHO has reported that more than 300 million people live with the condition worldwide, and it has increased during the last 20 years.
Consider the following statistics about U.S. mental health from recent years as well:
Nearly 10% of Americans suffer from depression; it is most common young adults 18–25.
More than 50% of Americans will be diagnosed with a mental illness or disorder at some point in their lives.
20% of Americans will experience a mental illness in a given year.
1 in 25 Americans lives with a serious mental illness such as major depression.
As many as 37% of university and college students in the U.S. have depression.
Teens and adolescents also have shown sharper increases:
Nearly 14% of teens 12–17 had experienced one or more major depressive episodes within the past year.
Close to 10% of teens were living with major depression.
Almost 60% of teens with depression did not receive professional support.
A 2024 survey also revealed the frequency of depression symptoms among the younger LGBTQ+ community:
Ages 13–17: 57%
Ages 18–24: 49%
These figures reinforce the continuing challenges to mental health we face together. As therapists for anxiety and depression, Eunoia Counseling cares for each individual regardless of age, ethnicity, background, religion, sexual preference or gender identity.
If you struggle with depression, we offer you acceptance, guidance, compassion and meaningful tools for coping. We are here to be your port in the storm.
Depression and Individual Treatment
When you connect with Eunoia Counseling for treatment of depression, the focus of your initial sessions will be on establishing comfort and trust with your therapist as you share about life events, relationships and areas of difficulty you might be having.
We help with depression for adolescents, teens, adults and seniors, including within the LGBTQIA++ community. As you remain involved in your depression therapy, you can begin to feel achievements such as:
- recognizing and avoiding emotional triggers
- stronger, healthier relationships
- a fresh perspective on life
- improving physical health
- increasing self-esteem and -awareness
- new insights into the past and the present
- ways to lower stress and anxiety
- command of unhealthy thought patterns
Depending on each situation, a depression therapy session also might draw from research-based approaches such as DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy), CBT (Cognitive Behavior Therapy), trauma-informed care and ACT (Acceptance Commitment Therapy).
Reading, writing, worksheets and other exercises might contribute to skill-building as well.
Treatment for Depression: Contact Us Today
Depression can be challenging to navigate, but you have access to support for clarity, healing and peace. To schedule an appointment or learn more about our depression therapy treatment, contact us at (630) 340-8747 or info@eunoiacounselingnaperville.com.
