Depression Specialist

What is depression?

Depression is a mental health disorder that causes feelings of persistent sadness and affects the way you think or behave. 

Many people with depression experience a loss of interest in once-loved activities and begin to pull away from family and friends. Depression can even interfere with your ability to complete routine tasks, such as household chores.

What are the symptoms of depression?

Depression affects everyone differently. While some individuals experience persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, depression symptoms may be more nuanced in others. Understanding the early warning signs of depression can help guide you or a loved one towards the best treatment.

Common symptoms of depression include:

• Sadness or hopelessness
• Irritability
• Disconnect from loved ones
• Loss of interest 
• Low libido
• Sleep disturbances (sleeping too much or too little)
• Weight fluctuations (weight gain or loss)
• Difficulty concentrating
• Headaches
• Muscle aches and pains

If you’re experiencing symptoms of depression, seeking treatment early enables you to find a path toward better quality of life sooner. 

What causes depression?

There isn’t an exact cause of depression, but genetics, hormonal changes, and brain chemistry may contribute to its development. Some of the most common risk factors for depression include:

• Having a family history of depression
• Substance abuse
• Having low self-esteem
• Certain medications (such as high blood pressure medication)
• Having a chronic illness, like heart disease or cancer
• Having a history of anxiety, bipolar disorder, or other mental health disorders

However, traumatic experiences (such as divorce or losing a career) may also trigger a depressive episode.

What are the treatments for depression?

Treating depression requires a multi-faceted approach that often includes a combination of medication and lifestyle adjustments. To diagnose depression, the team may perform a physical exam and blood work. These steps can help rule out underlying medical conditions that can cause depression symptoms.

Once the team completes their evaluation, they may recommend one or more of the following depression treatments:

• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
• Serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
• Dietary changes
• Supplements
• Increased exercise
• Stress reduction
• Smoking cessation
• Medication adjustments

To schedule an appointment for depression help, call Rose Medical Clinic in Chillicothe, Ohio, or request an appointment online today.