Depression

Depression is a serious but treatable mental health disorder characterized by persistent sadness, loss of interest, and emotional and physical challenges. With proper treatment and support, you can recover and lead a fulfilling life. At Overwatch Counseling, PLLC, in Abilene, Texas, licensed professional counselor Eva Foster, LPC, diagnoses and treats depression using evidence-based therapies. Schedule an evaluation by phone or request one online today.

What is depression?

Depression is a mood disorder that causes persistent or extreme sadness. It’s also called clinical depression or major depressive disorder (MDD). Depression affects your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Left untreated, it can lead to physical or emotional concerns.

Depression might need long-term treatment, but most people experiencing it feel better with therapy and/or medication. 

Which symptoms does depression cause?

Depression can lead to:

• Tearfulness, sadness, or emptiness
• Hopelessness
• Feeling worthless
• Loss of interest in favorite activities
• Frustation
• Angry outbursts
• Irritability
• Difficulty sleeping
• Anxiety
• Restlessness
• Agitation
• Fatigue
• Weight loss or gain
• Changes in appetite
• Trouble concentrating
• Self-blame
• Thoughts of suicide (suicidal ideation)
• Physical aches and pains

While everyone feels sad from time to time, depression is long-lasting or severe sadness that interferes with your quality of life.

What raises the risk of depression?

Depression risk factors include:

• Difficult life transitions
• Loss of a loved one
• Family history of depression
• Brain chemistry changes
• Hormonal changes
• Being female
• Inherited personality traits
• Low self-esteem
• Trauma
• Stress
• Being lesbian, bisexual, gay, or transgender
• History of other mental health disorders
• Drug or alcohol misuse
• Having a serious chronic illness
• Taking certain medications
• Previous military combat

Having an anxiety disorder, eating disorder, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) might increase your risk of depression. 

Ways to lower the chance of depression include controlling stress, maintaining healthy social connections, and seeking therapy at the first sign of a problem.

How is depression diagnosed?

Eva diagnoses depression by completing a psychiatric evaluation using DSM-5 criteria. She reviews your symptoms, medical history, emotions, thoughts, behaviors, and lifestyle. Eva also discusses any past trauma, stress, or difficult life situations that may contribute to depression symptoms.

How is depression treated?

Treating depression at Overwatch Counseling PLLC can include:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Mindfulness-based therapy
• Person-centered therapy
• Somatic therapy
• Veterans counseling
• LGBTQ+ affirming therapy
• Stress management
• Healthy lifestyle changes

It’s helpful to eat a nutritious diet, stay active, get enough sleep, avoid drugs and alcohol, and minimize stress. Consider meditation, yoga, tai chi, or other relaxation techniques, and follow up with Eva regularly to ensure long-lasting mental health benefits.

Schedule a depression evaluation at Overwatch Counseling PLLC by calling the office or booking an appointment online today.