Depression

We all experience feeling sad, tired, and unmotivated at times. When these feelings become extreme, they can have a detrimental effect on one’s life. When you start to feel down and hopeless regularly, you could be experiencing depression. Clinical depression is a complex mood disorder that often gets worse without proper treatment. Depression is more than just a constant feeling of being down; it affects your mood and your body.

Some common symptoms of depression include:

• Persistent sadness, hopeless, empty, or anxious feelings
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and helplessness
• Loss of interest in things you once enjoyed
• Loss of low sex drive
• Irritability and restlessness
• Trouble concentrating, remembering details, and making decisions
• Fatigue
• Insomnia or waking up too much
• Overeating or loss of appetite
• Digestive problems
• Aches, pains, and headaches that will not go away
• Suicidal thoughts or attempts

Several contributing factors, both biological and circumstantial, can result in depression.

• Family History: If your family has a history of depression or other mood disorders, you have an increased risk of developing depression. This is caused by both genetics and environmental influences.
• Trauma: Early childhood trauma impacts how your brain perceives and experiences stress and fear, making you more susceptible to developing depression. Experiencing trauma as an adult can also lead to the development of depression.
• Medical Conditions: Certain conditions such as insomnia, chronic pain, and other mental health disorders can contribute to the development of depression.
• Drug Use: A history of alcohol or drug use can lead to depression due to changes in one’s life and brain from use.

There are a number of medications and psychotherapy approaches that can be used to help reduce depression symptoms and increase levels of health and well-being.

Above is some helpful information to help you better understand this disorder. We do not recommend self diagnosing! If you would like to speak with a professional simply click here to Schedule an Appointment Now!