For many, the holidays can stir up feelings of sadness, loss, loneliness and other emotions. Symptoms of actual depression can include crying spells, changes in appetite or sleep habits, poor concentration, or reduced sexual drive. These and others—including thoughts of suicide or feelings of worthlessness— can be signs of more significant depression.

Are There Different Kinds Of Depression?

"Depression varies in intensity," says psychiatrist O.B. Towery, M.D., Medical Director of Adult Services at the John Muir Behavioral Health Center. "In some cases it is mild, experienced as a lowered mood or sadness. After identifying the stressors causing these feelings, an individual may be motivated to make positive changes, though sometimes people feel 'down' for no apparent reason. At its worst, depression may be so severe that a person is unable to function."

What Causes Depression?

Depression is usually due to stressful life situations, such as a loss of a significant relationship, loss of a job, or feeling trapped and powerless in an adverse situation. It is likely that some people are born with a genetic predisposition to becoming depressed in the face of these stressors. This genetic predisposition is thought probably to involve brain neurotransmitter systems, especially involving the neurotransmitter serotonin. A neurotransmitter is a brain chemical that is released by a nerve cell to stimulate activity in another cell.

How Can Depression Be Treated?

The two most common treatments are psychotherapy and antidepressant medication (or mood-stabilizing medication for Bipolar disorder). Psychotherapeutic approaches include cognitive behavioral therapy, insight-oriented psychotherapy and interpersonal therapy. Licensed mental health professionals in California include psychiatrists, licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs), marriage and family therapists (MFTs), psychologists, and clinical nurse specialists.These professionals may use one or a combination of treatment approaches. A combination of medication and psychotherapy together is often more effective than either approach by itself.

Antidepressant medication is believed to work primarily by altering the neurotransmitter systems of the brain. Among the newer commonly used antidepressants are Paxil, Celexa, Prozac, Zoloft, Remeron, Effexor, Cymbalta, Wellbutrin and Lexapro. Older and less frequently used medications include Elavil, Tofranil, and Pamelor. Medications are usually taken for six months to a year after a depressive episode. In severe or longer term depression antidepressants may be taken for prolonged periods.

When Should I Seek Treatment?

First, consider whether you are making significant progress without help in altering stressful situations. If your answer is "no," ask yourself the following questions: Do you feel helpless and hopeless? Is depression interfering with your functioning in relationships, at work, or at school? Is the quality of your life significantly affected by your low mood? Do you think about suicide?

"If you answer 'yes' to any of these questions, you could benefit from professional assistance," Dr. Towery says. "Remember, depression is not a sign of weakness or moral failure. Don't hesitate to seek help."

How Can I Find Help?

"Today, with our recent discoveries about the human brain, depression is more treatable than ever," Dr. Towery says. "The Bay Area has an abundance of psychotherapists and psychiatrists with expertise in nearly every specialty area.You might talk with your family physician about help or a referral to a specialist."

Located in Concord, the John Muir Behavioral Health Center provides inpatient and outpatient behavioral health programs and services including psychiatry, geriatric psychiatry, alcohol and drug treatment, inpatient and partial hospitalization, aftercare and other treatment options.