Depression

What is depression?

Depression is a mental health disorder that causes intense and pervasive feelings of sadness, despair, and worthlessness. Your negative emotions and thoughts can lead to behavioral changes that negatively impact your life. 

Some of the common signs of depression include:

• Intense feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and worthlessness
• Lost interest in previously enjoyed activities
• Sleeping too much or too little
• Appetite changes
• Fatigue and low energy
• Feeling guilt 
• Reduced concentration and decision-making skills
• Thoughts of death or suicide

Depression may or may not have a trigger, and your condition might develop gradually or rapidly. When left untreated, depression becomes progressively more severe, but with treatment, you can get better. 

What causes depression?

Medical researchers haven’t identified a specific cause of depression, although they know that abnormal brain chemistry contributes to the condition. 

Risk factors for depression include a personal or family history of mental health issues, poverty, neglect, or abuse. Depression often co-occurs with anxiety and substance abuse.

When should I see a mental health professional about depression?

Everyone feels sad and experiences grief occasionally. These normal emotions pass with time. Depression, on the other hand, persists for weeks, months, or even years. 

Make an appointment at Mind Health Institute, Orange County, if you have depression symptoms that have persisted for more than two weeks or interfere with your health or quality of life. 

How do you treat depression?

Mind Health Institute, Orange County, begins with a thorough assessment of your condition. In addition to reviewing your medical history, symptoms, and lifestyle, they might run some tests to check for physical health conditions that could contribute to your symptoms. 

After your diagnosis, they work with you to create and implement a customized treatment plan. The practice takes a holistic, multidisciplinary approach to depression treatment. 

Conventional depression treatment

For example, in addition to prescribing medicine to regulate your brain chemistry, they can refer you to counseling. They might also recommend implementing some lifestyle changes to improve your overall health and wellness. 

Lifestyle adjustments

Many patients find that adding physical activity to their daily routine, making sure to get enough sleep, and choosing healthy foods can improve their health and make it easier to cope with depression.  

Call Mind Health Institute, Orange County, or make an appointment online today to receive compassionate and personalized depression treatment.