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What Is Clinical Depression?

Clinical depression can be an isolating experience, but our team is here to walk through it with you. Please reach out to meet with our psychologist or psychiatrist.

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Clinical depression is not a sign of weakness.

While sadness is a natural part of the human experience, clinical depression is different. It’s a heavy, persistent state that can color every aspect of your world. Also known as Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), this is a serious and treatable condition that affects your thoughts, feelings, and well-being—it’s not something a person can simply “snap out of.”

To be clinically diagnosed, symptoms must be present for at least two weeks and represent a significant change in your ability to function. It can manifest in several different ways, each with its own unique patterns and features.

Find Relief From Depression

At Resilient Psychotherapy & Psychiatric Services, we understand the profound weight of clinical depression. With compassionate, expert care, you can lift the fog, manage your symptoms, and rediscover a life of engagement, meaning, and hope.

The Many Forms of Clinical Depression

Depression is not a one-size-fits-all condition. Understanding its variations can be a key step in recognizing your own experience and seeking the right diagnosis and treatment.

Seasonal Affective Disorder

This type of depression follows a predictable seasonal pattern, with symptoms typically beginning in the fall and winter and resolving in the spring. As the days get shorter, you might notice a significant drop in your energy, a desire to “hibernate,” and strong cravings for carbohydrates. You may feel withdrawn and irritable, but these symptoms consistently lift as the seasons change.

Prenatal Depression

This form of major depression occurs during pregnancy. It goes beyond typical mood swings, involving persistent sadness, anxiety, or hopelessness. You might worry excessively about the baby’s health, feel emotionally detached from the pregnancy itself, or experience intense guilt for not feeling happy during a time that is “supposed to be” joyful.

Postpartum Depression (PPD)

This major depressive episode occurs in the weeks and months after childbirth. It is far more severe and longer-lasting than the “baby blues.” You may feel overwhelmed, anxious, and disconnected from your new baby, often accompanied by intense guilt about not feeling the “joy” of motherhood. This can make it incredibly difficult to care for both yourself and your newborn.

Atypical Depression

This common subtype differs from a “typical” depression because your mood can temporarily brighten in response to positive events. You might feel a bit better after getting good news or spending time with friends, only to have the heavy feeling return later. This type is often accompanied by a “leaden” feeling in your limbs, a significant increase in appetite, and sleeping much more than usual.

Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia)

This is a chronic, low-grade sadness that lasts for at least two years. Rather than an intense major depressive episode, it can feel like a permanent part of your personality. You might be described as “gloomy” or “cynical” and find it hard to remember the last time you felt truly happy or excited. While you may be able to get through the motions of daily life, you do so without real joy or enthusiasm.

Find Clarity From Clinical Depression

You do not have to live under the heavy weight of depression. At Resilient Psychotherapy & Psychiatric Services, our mental health professionals create personalized treatment plans to help you lift the fog, reconnect with your life, and rediscover a sense of hope. Our integrated approach may include:

Evidence-Based Psychotherapy: Work with our psychologist to build coping skills and change the negative thought patterns that fuel depression.
Expert Medication Management: Collaborate with our psychiatrist to find the right medication to alleviate your symptoms and provide stability.

When you’re ready, we invite you to fill out the form below to schedule a confidential appointment. If you do not receive a response within 36 hours, please assume an error occurred and email us directly at admin@resilienttherapyokc.com.

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