Major Depressive Disorder
Major Depressive Disorder
Characterised by persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest or pleasure, changes in sleep and appetite, and a sense of hopelessness.
Common Symptoms of MDD:
- Persistent Sadness: Adolescents may experience a prolonged and unexplained feeling of sadness or emptiness.
- Loss of Interest or Pleasure: They may lose interest in activities they once enjoyed and have difficulty finding joy in things.
- Changes in Sleep Patterns: Adolescents may experience either insomnia or excessive sleep, disrupting their normal sleep routines.
- Feelings of Hopelessness or Worthlessness: They may express feelings of hopelessness about the future and a sense of worthlessness or guilt.
Interventions at Marga:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy: CBT helps adolescents identify negative thought patterns and replace them with more positive and realistic beliefs. This fosters healthier coping strategies and a more positive outlook on life.
- Interpersonal Therapy: IPT focuses on improving interpersonal relationships and communication skills, helping adolescents address conflicts and social difficulties that contribute to their depression.
- Behavioural Activation: Encouraging engagement in pleasurable activities and setting achievable goals helps combat lethargy and apathy associated with depression, promoting a sense of accomplishment and joy.
- Mindfulness-based therapies: Teaching mindfulness techniques helps adolescents to develop awareness of their emotions and thoughts, enabling them to respond more effectively to stress and negative feelings.
