Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a type of mental health disorder. It belongs in the mood disorder category and is often referred to as clinical depression. This mental health disorder involves frequent loss of interest in regular activities, poor mood, and other symptoms that hinder a person’s ability to perform everyday tasks. Research estimates that approximately 8.4% of adults in the U.S. experienced a major depressive episode in the year 2020. Of these adults, the largest number of them were aged 17 through 25 years old. 

The causes of major depressive disorder aren’t well known. However, most experts believe that there are several factors that may increase a person’s likelihood of experiencing major depressive disorder. Some of these may include stressful or traumatic life events, genetics, substance use, illness, and childbirth.

If you are dealing with MDD, you should consider seeing a professional who can help you treat your symptoms. Depression can take a toll on you and your loved ones. If you haven’t yet been diagnosed with MDD, you can take our quiz here to find out more. You can find effective treatment with a depressive disorder specialist. To learn more about depressive disorder specialists, what they do, and the benefits of visiting one, read through the sections below. 

What are the symptoms of major depressive disorder?

Major depressive disorder is a mental health condition that can be characterized by several distinguishable symptoms. Most mental health professionals will make a diagnosis based on your descriptions of your symptoms. If you have the following symptoms, it could be that you’re experiencing MDD: 

• Persistent low mood
• Less interest in regular activities
• Feelings of guilt or hopelessness
• Trouble focusing
• Difficulty sleeping or excessive sleeping
• Irritability
• Suicidal ideations

What are the top benefits of going to see an MDD mental health specialist?

If you’re experiencing major depressive disorder, don’t hesitate to reach out to an MDD mental health specialist for treatment. You’re likely to experience one or more of the following benefits when you seek treatment with an experienced, licensed professional: 

• Improving your mood — One of the benefits of going to see an MDD mental health specialist is that they’ll work with you to gradually improve your mood over time. People with MDD frequently report experiencing bouts of low mood that they can’t seem to pull themselves through, but a specialist may be better able to help elevate your mood and teach you how you can control your moods independently.

• Improving your coping skills— Another benefit of going to an MDD mental health specialist is that they’ll help you improve your coping skills. It can be hard to regulate your heavier emotions, especially when you haven’t practiced the coping skills necessary to do so. They’ll help you learn which coping strategies work best for you and when you can implement them.

• Fewer occurrences of suicidal thoughts — Another major benefit of MDD specialists is that they can ultimately help you reduce your suicidal thoughts in some cases. When you learn the skills and tools that your specialist teaches you during your sessions, you can be better equipped to combat suicidality and push through.

Lightfully can help you begin the treatment you need for major depressive disorder 

Our mission at Lightfully is to provide high-quality mental health care to various types of clients through a focused approach to process-based therapy. The framework of our clinic consists of evidence-based, clearly defined, data-driven and whole-person-centered care. 

Lightfully offers multiple levels of care to both adults and teens: Residential Treatment, Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), and Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), also referred to as our Day Treatment Program. We also offer a Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program (vIOP) for adults. If you have experienced MDD or MDD-related suicidal ideations lately, we’d like to help you. Lightfully is one of the only programs to accept clients with a history of suicide attempts directly into our Residential Treatment Program. Residential treatment programs can be a gentler alternative to inpatient units and are often preferred by most clients. Don’t let your major depressive disorder continue to control your life. Reach out to an MDD specialist today.

Change is possible. When you’re ready to take the first step, reach out to our Admissions Concierge Team. We’ll take the next steps together, toward the fullest, brightest version of you.