Depression

What is depression?

Depression is a serious mood disorder that affects how you feel, behave, and think. People with a depressive mood disorder often experience persistent sadness or a sense of hopelessness for no apparent reason.

While depression can develop at any age, it often starts in adolescence or adulthood because of a combination of genetics, biological makeup, and psychological reasons. Some people develop depression after a traumatic event or because of underlying physical illnesses like diabetes and cancer.

Your risk for depression can increase if you have a family history of the disorder or if you live with chronic stress, violence, or abuse.

When should I seek treatment for depression?

Depression symptoms aren’t something you just get over. However, with the right treatment, you can find long-term relief from your symptoms and live a full, productive life.

The team at Integrated Neurology Services recommends scheduling a diagnostic evaluation for depression if you have symptoms that last for two weeks or longer, or if your symptoms are severe enough to interfere with your quality of life.

These symptoms might include:

• Persistent sadness
• Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness
• Lost of interest in your usual activities
• Lack of energy and motivation
• Difficulty sleeping
• Changes in your appetite
  

Without a proper diagnosis and treatment plan, depression can worsen over time and lead to thoughts or actions of self-harm or suicide.

How is depression treated?

Your treatment plan for depression depends on the severity of your symptoms and your general health. Your Integrated Neurology Services provider customizes a treatment plan to your unique needs. They use psychotherapy (talk therapy) techniques to uncover information about environmental factors like your job and relationships that might be triggering your depression.

Therapy also teaches you how to recognize negative thoughts and behaviors, so you can cope with them more effectively. In addition to therapy, you might also benefit from antidepressant medications that balance chemicals in your brain to improve your mood.

You should also make lifestyle changes to increase the amount of exercise you get regularly and follow a healthy diet. These changes, along with therapy, can help you achieve long-term relief of your depressive symptoms, so you can enjoy a higher quality of life.

Schedule a diagnostic evaluation for depression online or by calling Integrated Neurology Services today.