Depression is a common but serious mood disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed (American Psychiatric Association, 2022). It can affect thoughts, behavior, and physical health, and may interfere with daily functioning, relationships, and overall quality of life.
Signs and Symptoms of Depression
- Emotional Indicators
- Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood
- Feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, or guilt
- Irritability or frustration, even over small matters (American Psychiatric Association, 2022)
- Cognitive Changes
- Difficulty concentrating, making decisions, or remembering details
- Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide (National Institute of Mental Health, 2024)
- Physical and Behavioral Signs
- Fatigue or decreased energy
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Sleep disturbances (insomnia or hypersomnia)
- Psychomotor agitation (slowed speech and movements)
- Social withdrawal and loss of interest in previously pleasurable activities
Treatment Options for Depression
Effective management of depression often involves a combination of interventions tailored to the individual’s needs:
- Medication
- Antidepressants (e.g., selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, serotonin–norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors) to help correct chemical imbalances in the brain (Geddes & Miklowitz, 2013).
- Antidepressants (e.g., selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, serotonin–norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors) to help correct chemical imbalances in the brain (Geddes & Miklowitz, 2013).
- Psychotherapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to identify and reframe negative thought patterns and develop coping skills (Beck, 2011).
- Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) to improve communication skills and address relationship conflicts that may contribute to depressive symptoms (Weissman, Markowitz, & Klerman, 2000).
- Lifestyle and Self‐Management
- Regular physical activity and balanced nutrition
- Establishing consistent sleep routines
- Mindfulness practices and stress‐reduction techniques such as meditation or deep‐breathing exercises
Supporting Clients and Families Struggling with Depression
- Education and Awareness
- Learn about depression to reduce stigma and normalize seeking help.
- Encourage open dialogue: use empathic listening and validate feelings (e.g., “I hear that you’ve been feeling overwhelmed; that makes sense given what you’ve been through”).
- Structured Routine
- Assist clients in creating daily schedules that incorporate self‐care, social engagement, and enjoyable activities.
- Assist clients in creating daily schedules that incorporate self‐care, social engagement, and enjoyable activities.
- Crisis Preparedness
- Collaboratively develop a safety plan that includes emergency contacts, coping strategies, and crisis hotline numbers.
- Collaboratively develop a safety plan that includes emergency contacts, coping strategies, and crisis hotline numbers.
- Family Involvement
- Offer family psychoeducation to improve understanding of depressive symptoms and medication management.
- Set healthy boundaries: balance support with encouragement of client autonomy.
- Self‐Care for Caregivers
- Join support groups, seek counseling if needed, and maintain personal wellness routines to prevent burnout.
Resources for Support
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
Education, support groups, and advocacy:
National Alliance on Mental Illness. (2024). Depression. https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Mental-Health-Conditions/Depression - National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Research‐based information and treatment options:
National Institute of Mental Health. (2024). Depression. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression - Mississippi Department of Mental Health
Local treatment resources and crisis lines:
Mississippi Department of Mental Health. (n.d.). Find services. https://www.dmh.ms.gov/ - Crisis Text Line
Free, 24/7 crisis support via text: Text “HOME” to 741741 (U.S.) - Barksdale Missions, LLC
Individual, family, and group therapy services: https://www.barksdalemissions.com/
References
American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed., text rev.; DSM–5–TR). https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425787
Beck, J. S. (2011). Cognitive behavior therapy: Basics and beyond (2nd ed.). Guilford Press.
Geddes, J. R., & Miklowitz, D. J. (2013). Treatment of bipolar disorder. The Lancet, 381(9878), 1672–1682. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(13)60857-0
National Alliance on Mental Illness. (2024). Depression. https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Mental-Health-Conditions/Depression
National Institute of Mental Health. (2024). Depression. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression
Weissman, M. M., Markowitz, J. C., & Klerman, G. L. (2000). Comprehensive guide to interpersonal psychotherapy. Basic Books.
Mississippi Department of Mental Health. (n.d.). Find services. https://www.dmh.ms.gov/
