Depression Specialist

What is depression?

Depression is a mental illness that affects the way you feel, think, and behave. It triggers long-term feelings of sadness and a loss of interest in activities you once loved.

Depression isn’t something you can snap out of or fix. It’s a serious medical condition that requires treatment from a qualified professional.

Though there’s no cure, it’s possible to minimize symptoms through a combination of healthy lifestyle changes, prescription medication, and behavioral therapy.

What are the symptoms of depression?

Common symptoms of depression include:

• Anxiety, agitation, or restlessness
• Intense feelings of sadness or hopelessness
• Sleep disturbances
• Loss of interest in hobbies, sex, or exercise
• Suicidal thoughts
• Physical symptoms like headaches or lower back pain

Many people with depression also experience increased cravings for food along with weight gain.

When should I see a doctor about depression?

If you feel sad or upset for more than a few days and it interferes with your ability to work, exercise, or spend time with friends and family, make an appointment at Weingrow Wellness & Medical Center.

The sooner you meet with a medical provider, the sooner you can take steps to improve your outlook and quality of life.

What causes depression?

Mental health experts aren’t entirely sure what causes depression, but several factors are thought to contribute, including hormones, genetics, and your unique brain chemistry.

Biological differences may also play a role. MRIs of people with depression often show physical changes within the brain tissue.

How is depression diagnosed?

To diagnose depression, the team at Weingrow Wellness & Medical Center conducts a physical exam and asks about your symptoms, including when they first started, their severity, and if anything seems to make them better or worse.

Next, they order a series of laboratory tests and conduct a psychiatric evaluation. During the evaluation, your provider asks about your thoughts and feelings and has you fill out a brief questionnaire about the effects your mood has on your quality of life.

How is depression treated?

Treatment of depression depends on your age, medical history, and the severity of your symptoms. Usually, the team recommends healthy lifestyle changes like eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, getting plenty of sleep, and taking steps to manage stress.

If these steps don’t make a significant difference, they might recommend prescription medication or talk therapy. There are several types of medication used to help treat depression, including:

• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
• Atypical antidepressants
• Tricyclic antidepressants
• Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)

To learn more about treatment for depression, make an appointment at Weingrow Wellness & Medical Center by calling the office to speak with a friendly member of the administrative staff, or by clicking the online booking tool today.