What is Depression?

Depressive disorder (also known as depression) is a common mental disorder. It involves a depressed mood or loss of pleasure or interest in activities for long periods of time.

Depression is different from regular mood changes and feelings about everyday life. Individuals can experience a range of symptoms, including depressed mood and/or a loss of interest or pleasure in usual activities most of the day, nearly every day, for at least 2 weeks. It can affect all aspects of life, including relationships with family, friends and community. It can result from or lead to problems at school and at work.

In addition, these feelings are accompanied at least some of the following symptoms: sleep disruption (sleeping too little or too much), feeling restless or slowed down, fatigue/low energy, changes in appetite or weight, feelings of worthlessness and/or excessive feelings of guilt, difficulties with concentration or decision making, and thoughts about death or suicide.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) has been shown to be highly effective in treating depression. Our clinicians at DBT Eastside specializes in Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) aimed at treating depression.