Everyone experiences sadness, low energy, or decreased pleasure in things from time to time. When does ordinary sadness get to the point where increased concern is warranted? What do we mean when we say somebody is depressed? What can we do to prevent depression from happening or worsening and what we can do to recover from depression? We will review the risk factors and preventative factors for depression. We will review medical considerations related to depression. Finally, we will talk about pathways to recovery from depression, including self-care/self-management, psychosocial interventions, psychotherapeutic interventions, and medical interventions.
Dr. Lasek is the Associate Medical Director at Howard Center where he has been working for more than a decade. He is also a Clinical Assistant Professor at UVM Medical Center’s Department of Psychiatry and Adjunct Faculty for Southern New Hampshire University’s Graduate Program in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. He has worked in many community mental health settings, corrections, and inpatient psychiatric settings over the course of his career.