Therapist in Encino, CA
Understanding Depression: Symptoms & Treatment
Depression is a serious mood disorder that affects how you feel, think, and behave. Also known as major depressive disorder or clinical depression, it can lead to persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest, and emotional and physical difficulties. It may interfere with daily life, making even simple tasks feel overwhelming. In severe cases, depression can cause feelings of hopelessness or thoughts of self-harm.
At our practice, we take a compassionate and evidence-based approach to understanding the root causes of depression. Through relational and clinically proven therapeutic methods, we work with you to develop a path toward healing and improved well-being.
Symptoms of Depression
Depression can occur as a single episode or recur throughout a person’s life. Symptoms typically persist most of the day, nearly every day, and may include:
- Persistent feelings of sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness
- Irritability, frustration, or angry outbursts, even over small matters
- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed, including hobbies, relationships, and intimacy
- Sleep disturbances, such as insomnia or excessive sleeping
- Fatigue and lack of energy, making even small tasks feel exhausting
- Changes in appetite and weight (either loss or gain)
- Anxiety, agitation, or restlessness
- Slowed thinking, speech, or movement
- Feelings of worthlessness, guilt, or excessive self-blame
- Difficulty concentrating, making decisions, or remembering things
- Frequent thoughts of death, suicidal ideation, or suicide attempts
- Unexplained physical issues, such as headaches or body pain
For many individuals, depression significantly impacts daily life, work, school, relationships, and social activities. Some people may struggle with an underlying sense of misery or unhappiness without fully understanding why.
Depression in Children & Teens
Depression can present differently in younger individuals.
- In children, signs may include persistent sadness, irritability, clinginess, excessive worry, unexplained aches and pains, refusal to attend school, or noticeable weight changes.
- In teenagers, symptoms often include feelings of worthlessness, anger, sensitivity to criticism, low school performance, absenteeism, withdrawal from social activities, substance use, excessive sleeping or eating, self-harm, or loss of interest in daily life.