What is depression?
Depression is a major depressive disorder that affects your feelings, actions, and the way you think.
Also called clinical depression, depression can be confused with grief or sadness. The emotions associated with those experiences are normal and are often mixed with some positive feelings. Depression causes sadness that just seems interminable.
If left untreated, depression can lead to physical and emotional problems that negatively impact your ability to function at home and work.
What are the signs of depression?
Depression symptoms can vary from person to person, and range from mild to severe. Besides a depressed mood, they might include:
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Fatigue or loss of energy
- Weight gain or weight loss
- Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
- Disinterest in activities you once enjoyed
- Thoughts of suicide or death
- Slowed movements or speech
- Increased physical actions, like pacing
When you’re experiencing depression, you can also have a difficult time concentrating, making decisions, and thinking.
Who is at risk of developing depression?
Depression is a common depressive condition that can affect everyone, regardless of age. A few factors that can play a role in depression include:
- Personality: easily overwhelmed, generally pessimistic, or have low self-esteem
- Environment: exposure to abuse, neglect, violence, or other negative situations
- Biochemistry: differences in brain chemicals
- Genetics: depression can run in families
While depression can strike everyone, it’s more common in women.
How do you treat depression?
To help identify the best treatment for your depression, your physician at Doctors of Bellevue-Redmond performs a complete physical examination to rule out any medical conditions that may be causing your symptoms. This exam includes blood work and reviewing your personal and family medical history.
Based on their diagnosis, your doctor might recommend the following treatments:
- Medication: antidepressants to normalize brain chemistry
- Psychotherapy: talk therapy to focus on the present and develop problem-solving strategies
- Lifestyle changes: eating a healthy diet, exercising, getting quality sleep, and avoiding depressants like alcohol
The caring physicians at Doctors of Bellevue-Redmond work with you to identify an approach to managing your depression. Call today or schedule an appointment online to learn more.
