potomac psychiatry
Potomac Psychiatry
5920 Hubbard Drive
Rockville, MD 20852
301-984-9791

 
 
 
Every adversity, every failure, every heartache carries with it the seed of an equal or greater benefit

- Napoleon Hill

Psychotherapy for adult depression
 

Depression

Problems and misfortunes are a part of life. Everyone experiences unhappiness, and many people may become depressed temporarily when things don't go as they would like. Experiences of failure commonly result in temporary feelings of worthlessness and self-blame, while personal losses cause feelings of sadness, disappointment and emptiness. Such feelings are normal, and they usually pass after a short time. This is not the case with depressive illness.

What are the Signs of Depressive Illness?

Depression becomes an illness, or clinical depression, when the feelings described below are severe, last for several weeks, and begin to interfere with your work and social life. Depressive illness can change the way you think and behave, and how your body functions. Some of the signs to look for are:

  • feeling worthless, helpless or hopeless,
  • sleeping more or less than usual,
  • eating more or less than usual,
  • having difficulty concentrating or making decisions,
  • loss of interest in taking part in activities,
  • decreased sex drive,
  • avoiding other people,
  • overwhelming feelings of sadness or grief,
  • feeling unreasonably guilty,
  • loss of energy, feeling very tired,
  • thoughts of death or suicide.


What Causes Depression?

There is no single cause of depression. The following factors may make some people more prone than others to react to a loss or failure with a clinical depression:

  • specific, distressing life events such as the loss of a loved one or an ideal,
  • a biochemical imbalance in the brain,
  • psychological factors, like a negative or pessimistic view of life.

There may also be a genetic link since people with a family history of depression are more likely to experience it.

The depressed feelings we all experience after a serious loss or disappointment may last for a short or a long period of time. How long depends on the person, the severity of the loss, and the support available to help the person to cope with it.

Clinical depression may also last for short or long time periods. It rarely becomes permanent unless prior episodes are inadequately treated. Without professional treatment, clinical depression may end naturally after several weeks or months. With treatment, it may end much more quickly, and prevent increased frequency and severity of future episodes.

How is Depression Treated?

Depression is among the most treatable of all emotional illnesses. Most people who suffer from depression are significantly helped by the treatment they get, which usually includes medication and/or psychological counseling. Support from family, friends and self-help groups can also make a big difference.

Many people who are seriously depressed wait too long to seek treatment or they may not seek treatment at all. They may not realize that they have a treatable illness, or they may be concerned about getting help because of the negative attitudes held by society towards this type of illness. Untreated depression over the longer term can result in permanent chemical and structural changes in the brain, so it is important to seek prompt treatment and maintain the treatment over the time prescribed.

At Potomac Psychiatry our psychiatrists and therapists specialize in treating depression. Call us at 301.984.9791 to discuss your needs or to schedule an appointment.

Potomac Psychiatry is conveniently located in Rockville MD, near the intersection of Rockville Pike (MD 355) and Montrose Road. We are walking distance from the White Flint Metro Rail Station (Red Line). We serve the Suburban Maryland, Washington DC and Northern Virginia area.
 
Our offices are conveniently accessible from the following communities:
 
Maryland (MD):
Bethesda 20814 - Bethesda 20816 - Bethesda 20817 - Chevy Chase 20815 - Colesville 20904 - Cabin John 20815 - Glen Echo 20812 - Gaithersburg 20855 - Gaithersburg 20877- Gaithersburg 20878 - Gaithersburg 20879 - Garrett Park 20896 - Kensington 20895 - Montgomery Village 20886 - Olney 20830 - Olney 20832 - Potomac 20854 - Potomac 20859 - Rockville 20850 - Rockville 20852 - Rockville 20853 - Silver Spring 20903 - Silver Spring 20905 - Silver Spring 20906 - Silver Spring 20910 - Takoma Park 20912 - Wheaton 20902
 
Washington DC:
Crestwood 20011- North Capitol Hill 20002 - Cathedral Heights 20016 - American University Park 20016 - Columbia Heights 20010 - Mount Pleasant 20010 - Downtown 20036 - Dupont Circle 20009 - Logan Circle 20005- Adams Morgan 20009 - Chevy Chase 20015 - Georgetown 20007 - Cleveland Park 20008 - Foggy Bottom 20037 - Rock Creek Park - Woodley Park 20008 - Tenleytown 20016
 
Northern Virginia:
McLean  22101- McLean  22102 - McLean  22106 - Great Falls 22066 - Arlington 22201 - Arlington 22202 - Arlington 22203 - Arlington 22205 - Falls Church 22041 - Vienna 22181 -   Alexandria  22314