What is Major Depressive Disorder?

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a draining mental illness. It is the leading cause of disability in the United States—ranking higher than every other physical or mental disability. This illness can take a major tole on a person’s ability to function and their quality of life. These feelings often persist which can affect a person’s work, relationships, and hobbies. 

Though Major Depressive Disorder is the most common, there are many other kinds of depression, including Postpartum Depression, Treatment-Resistant Depression, Seasonal Affective Disorder, and Persistent Depressive Disorder. It’s important to recognize that Depression can be a crippling condition that affects people from all walks of life. Clearly, it is far more than just having a bad day.  

With Depression being so prevalent in our community, Whole Mind is committed to helping people overcome this burdensome disease. Fortunately, these disorders are highly treatable. New treatments becoming more widely available.

What are the common symptoms? 

Major Depressive Disorder symptoms vary from person to person, but the often include: 

  • Excessive or poor sleep 

  • Loss of energy 

  • Loss of interest or pleasure  

  • Suicidal thoughts  

  • Feelings of extreme sadness, emptiness, hopelessness, and isolation 

  • Slowed speech, response, and movement 

  • Sustained feelings of guilt 

Treatment Options

Many different types of therapy are effective for treating depression. Studies show that psychotherapy combined with medication is far superior to either by itself. Many different therapies can be helpful. Two of the most well known are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). 

Psychotherapy (AKA Talk Therapy) 

There are many medication options for depression. Our medical professionals at Whole Mind will work with you to find the safest and most effective medication while minimizing potential side effects.   

Medication 

For those who have found little success with medication or have had side effects to medications, options including TMS Therapy and Spravato. Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) may be another step in treating depression. 

Alternate Methods 

Regulating sleep patterns, maintaining proper nutrition and regularly exercising have all shown benefits in improving depressive symptoms. Some over the counter supplements such as Omega-3 Fatty Acids, S-adenosyl-L methionine (SAM-e), N-acetylcysteine and L-Methylfolate have also shown modest effects in improving mood.

Lifestyle Changes