Depression

What is depression?

Depression is a common mental health concern affecting children, teenagers, and adults alike. It’s characterized by feeling hopeless, constantly sad, and/or worthless. Depression also increases the chance of suicidal thoughts and behaviors when not addressed. Seek help at the first sign of crippling depression to rediscover happiness and an improved quality of life.

Which symptoms does depression cause?

Depression can lead to:

• Loss of interest in favorite activities
• Suicidal thoughts (suicidal ideation)
• Extreme or ongoing sadness
• Helplessness
• Worthlessness
• Guilt
• Shame
• Withdrawing from family and friends
• Weight changes
• Sleeping more or less than usual
• Fatigue
• Irritability
• Difficulty concentrating
• Physical aches and pains

Your symptoms can vary from mild to severe; the sadness you experience can be constant or come and go.

What are examples of different types of depression?

Common forms of depression include:

Major depressive disorder (MDD)

Major depressive disorder is the most commonly diagnosed depression, characterized by having at least one major depressive episode in the past year.

Persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia)

This mood disorder appears as sadness that persists much of the day on most days for at least two years.

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)

SAD is a form of depression that often appears only during the dark, cold winter months. It’s partially caused by low vitamin D levels.

Postpartum depression

Postpartum depression appears in some women after giving birth; it’s often temporary.

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)

PMDD is a type of depression linked to premenstrual syndrome (PMS) in some women.

You might be prone to more than one type of depression because of various risk factors. All forms of depression are characterized by feeling sad, worthless, and/or hopeless.

What increases the risk of depression?

Risk factors for depression include:

• Brain chemistry changes
• Family history of depression
• Hormone fluctuations
• Certain personality traits
• Being gay, lesbian, transgender, or bisexual
• Stressful life events
• Trauma
• Some medications
• History of mental health conditions
• Drug or alcohol misuse
• Chronic illnesses

Depression can appear after the death of a loved one, a divorce, a job loss, financial challenges, military combat, and other impactful life events.

How is depression diagnosed?

The mentalHope Psychiatry experts diagnose depression after completing comprehensive assessments that consider all aspects of your mental, emotional, and physical well-being. This holistic approach ensures a better understanding of the full effects of depression on your life.

Your provider reviews your symptoms, medical history, medications, lifestyle, mood, thoughts, and emotions during a psychiatric evaluation.

How is depression treated?

Treating depression typically involves one or more of the following:

• Medication management
• Psychotherapy
• Lifestyle counseling

mentalHope Psychiatry takes an integrative approach to treating depression that focuses on education, exercise, diet, sleep, stress reduction, and other natural solutions.

You could make lifestyle adjustments combined with medication and psychotherapy to achieve superior mental health outcomes. mentalHope Psychiatry provides continuous support and follow-up care, encouraging family involvement every step of the way.

Schedule a telehealth evaluation at mentalHope Psychiatry by booking an appointment online today.