480-780-0278

 Dr. Kellison Ext. 101

Bingyu Xu, M.A. Ext. 104

Danny Shultz, M.A. Ext. 105

Kailey Sullivan, B.S. Ext. 103

COVID-19: Sessions are available as in-person, virtual, and/or hybrid of both.

Overview

Often known as depression, depressive disorders are more than just feeling sad or having a “bad day or negative attitude.” Depression causes severe symptoms that can affect how you feel both emotionally and physically, how you interpret events (i.e., your thoughts), and how you go about everyday activities. Depressive disorders can be experienced or expressed differently by people in variant ways. For example, some people may experience a depressive episode once in their life perhaps brought on by a triggering experience, while for others their depression may reoccur several times over their lifetime. In addition, the way an individual may express these painful emotions and the duration or intensity can also vary.

When left untreated, depression can significantly affect the person suffering from it and the people who are around them. Additionally, when left untreated, depressive episodes have the potential to last months to years. With early intervention and diagnosis, treatment plans can be integrated into a person's life, such as therapy, medication and healthy lifestyle changes.

Types of depressive disorders include:

•Major Depressive Disorder

•Persistent Depressive Disorder

•Postpartum Depression

•Seasonal Affective Disorder

•Bipolar Disorder

•Adjustment Disorder with Depression

Symptoms

Depression symptoms can be different for all people; however, most people experience a struggle in day-to-day activities. A person who is experiencing depressive symptoms may gain or lose a significant amount of weight, have insomnia or sleep more than usual, and feel fatigued (low energy) more often than not. A person with a depressive disorder may seem slowed down, easily agitated or have an overwhelming feeling of guilt. When intensified a person may experience suicidal ideation:

If you are experiencing self-harm urges, suicidal ideation, a psychiatric emergency, or are in imminent danger please call 911, go to an emergency department of a local hospital, or call local or national crisis hotlines:

Local:  Maricopa County Crisis Line 1-602-222-9444 or 1-800-631-1314

National:  1-800-273-8255

LGBTQIA:  1-888-843-4564

Trans Lifeline: 1-877-565-8860

Trevor Project: (LGBTQIA Youth aged 13-24): 1-866-488-7386

National Runaway Safeline: 1-800-RUNAWAY-1-800-786-2929

Other symptoms include:

•Self-hate

•Hopelessness / Worthlessness

•Nihilism (pointlessness of life)

•Withdrawn/Isolated

•Criticisms toward the self and life

•Trouble with concentration, focus, or clear thinking

•Physical pain or experience of pain intensified

If you have been experiencing any of these symptoms in the last two weeks, you may be suffering from a depressive episode or disorder.

Causes

Although the causes of depressive disorders are varied per individual and not fully known for each unique person, depression can be triggered by a crisis or a physical illness.

Additionally, some research has pointed to:

•Trauma

•Genetics

•Environment

•Brain Chemistry
•Drug and Alcohol Abuse/Use

There is no way to prevent major depression, however, detecting it early can help reduce symptoms, duration of the episode, and can help a person to learn how to cope or regulate depressive mood symptoms.

Therapy

Treatments for depressive disorders are effective after proper diagnoses, most people feel a reduction in symptoms. Safety planning is also important for those who encounter suicidal thoughts or attempts. Common therapies include:

•Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT)

•Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

•Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)