Depression

What is depression?

Depression is a mood disorder involving a persistent lingering feeling of sadness and a loss of interest in many activities that used to bring you joy. Depression can also be referred to as major depressive disorder or clinical depression.

Depression isn’t a passing phase of feeling down. In many cases, depression is a mental health condition that necessitates quality long-term treatment.

What are the symptoms of depression?

With depression, you might experience difficulty with your day-to-day tasks. Some of the symptoms of depression are:

• A general loss of pleasure and interest in various activities
• Agitation, anxiety, and impatience
• Impaired or slowed cognitive functioning or memory
• Frustration, irritability, and angry outbursts over trivial matters
• Sleep disturbances and poor sleep quality
• Feelings of emptiness, sadness, and hopelessness
• Chronic fatigue and a lack of motivation
• Reduced appetite, increased cravings, or weight loss or gain

• Thoughts of suicide or death, even suicide attempts

If you have depression, you might also have unexplained physical problems, such as headaches or back pain. Others might have feelings of worthlessness or guilt and frequently and obsessively focus on self-blame and past failures.

What causes depression?

It isn’t always clear what causes depression, and multiple factors might play a role, such as:

• Hormones
• Inherited traits
• Certain changes in brain chemistry and the brain

Sometimes, a life event might trigger a depressive episode. Other risk factors for depression are chronic pain and chronic illness, substance abuse, low self-esteem, and a history of other mental health disorders.

What are the treatments for depression?

Following an evaluation, your Brandon Riverview Medical Associates provider creates a personalized treatment plan to help you overcome your depression. They might recommend:

• Counseling
• Medications, such as stimulants, antidepressants, and anti-anxiety medications
• Lifestyle changes, including stress management, appropriate regular exercise, and a nutrient-dense healthy diet

Treatment involving multiple approaches is often the best way to treat depression. In many cases, lifestyle changes and medications used together can have a significant positive impact on your overall wellness.

Your provider helps you every step of the way on your journey to enhance your general health and happiness and combat your lingering depression. Call Brandon Riverview Medical Associates or schedule online today.