What is depression?
Depression is a potentially serious medical condition that affects the way you feel, think, and act.
While it typically causes bouts of sadness and loss of interest, depression manifests itself differently from person to person. It can impact your ability to work, socialize, and even complete daily tasks.
What are the symptoms of depression?
Depression can cause a variety of mental, emotional, and physical symptoms, including:
- Sadness or hopelessness
- Weight loss or gain
- Difficulty concentrating
- Suicidal thoughts
- Fatigue
- Sleeping too much
- Insomnia
- Irritability
- Muscle aches
- Feelings of worthlessness
If you have depression, you may also experience a sudden loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed.
What causes depression?
There is no single cause of depression, but the most common risk factors include:
Hormonal changes
A hormone imbalance can significantly change the way you look, feel, and behave. Many people experience depression during sudden periods of hormonal change, such as pregnancy or menopause.
Biochemistry
Changes in the neurotransmitters in your brain can affect your mood and ability to overcome bouts of depression.
Genetics
You’re more prone to depression if one of your close relatives also has it.
Environmental factors
Neglect, abuse, poverty, and violence all raise your risk of depression. These environmental factors can lower your self-esteem and overall sense of self-worth.
What are the treatments for depression?
Many depression treatment plans include a combination of medication and therapy to help you manage negative thoughts and behaviors while alleviating symptoms that are holding you back from a more fulfilling quality of life.
Certain herbs, vitamins, and supplements can also help improve your mood and ability to concentrate by targeting vitamin and mineral deficiencies.
Acupuncture, a form of holistic medicine that involves inserting thin needles into predetermined pressure points, also helps relieve stress and pain that can contribute to feelings of depression.
Depression can last anywhere from a few weeks to several years. It’s important to choose a medical team you can trust to treat your symptoms while also eliminating the underlying cause of your condition.
We are a primary care practice and offer annual physicals. Call us to book your appointment today.
