Major Depressive Disorder

Depression Treatment in Los Angeles with Dr. Hughes

Recognizing the symptoms of depression

Depression is often misunderstood. People hear the word depression, and they think of a temporary funk or a sad day. The reality is depression is much more than occasional feelings of sadness. It can have a significant impact on one’s life and their ability to function.

Our professional and compassionate therapists specialize in treating teens and young adults. We can help your child find relief from depression in Los Angeles. Contact us to schedule your first visit to start making changes.

What Is Depression?

Depression is a mood disorder that causes long-lasting feelings of sadness or despair. It is also called major depressive disorder or clinical depression.

To be diagnosed with clinical depression, patients must meet highly specific criteria. Even so, many people experience the symptoms and effects of depression without meeting the criteria for an official diagnosis. Therapy can help patients with diagnosable depression and those who are struggling with depressive feelings. If depression is impacting your life, don’t hesitate to contact The C.U.B.E.

Symptoms of Depression

Our therapists have helped many teens and young adults overcome the signs of depression. Symptoms include:

• Reduced interest in activities
• Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or emptiness
• Anxiety
• Irritability
• Tiredness or lack of energy
• Changes in sleep patterns (sleeping more or less than usual)
• Weight loss or gain
• Feelings of guilt
• Difficulty concentrating

Depression can be tricky to spot because many patients with the condition don’t realize they have it. If you suspect that you or your child is experiencing depression, consult with a licensed mental health professional to determine the cause and if treatment is needed.

Clinical Depression vs. The Blues: How to Know If It’s Really Depression

Life is challenging. Everyone experiences sadness and bad days periodically. This is normal and often referred to as the blues. But, if you experience those feelings more often than not, you may have more than the blues and instead be suffering from clinical depression. So, how can you tell the difference?

• If feelings of sadness are interfering with work, sleep, or other daily activities, you may have depression.
• If your moods become erratic or seem to swing from highs to lows, you may benefit from seeing a depression therapist.
• If sadness lingers or you’re not bouncing back after a challenging situation, it may be worth exploring treatment.

Clinical depression is not something you can bounce back from on your own. Treatment with counseling is needed for a quick recovery.

Why Do Teens and Young Adults Often Need Treatment for Depression

Clinical depression in teens and young adults often looks similar to clinical depression in older adults, but the feelings can be more volatile and intense.

Treating clinical depression in teens and young adults is critical. Counseling can help them understand their feelings and give them the foundation and coping skills they need to overcome this disorder and find success, both now and in adulthood.

Steps You Can Take Now

It is okay to not feel normal in certain situations like getting a bad grade on a test, losing a loved one, or ending a relationship. The most important part of taking the first step is recognizing when the disruption of normalcy requires professional intervention.

Getting Professional Help for Your Depression

Our therapists use approach each patient with a caring attitude and seek to help as much as possible.  Every patient will have individualized treatment goals, but the overall goal for every patient is to connect, uplift, build, and empower them.

Connect
The C.U.B.E. connects with patients and their families because healthy relationships build the foundation for successful therapy.

Uplift
Change is easier when you feel good about a situation. We create a positive environment so patients can feel better about themselves, their behavior, and situation.

Build
Significant changes are possible when you have the right tools. Our therapists work with each patient to give them the tools for success so they can address challenges and make positive changes. These methods last a lifetime, serving patients long after their last therapy session at The C.U.B.E.

Empower
The end goal of treatment is self-sufficiency. We help our patients become who they need to be to have a successful future. We help our patients discover themselves so they can move forward and have a more positive and successful future.

Treating major depressive disorder is a process. Each patient receives a personalized treatment plan to address their unique challenges and concerns. The C.U.B.E patients learn to manage their emotions and moods in safe and healthy ways.

If you or a loved one are struggling with major depressive disorder, contact The C.U.B.E. to explore treatment options in Los Angeles, CA.