Depression: Symptoms, Signs, Treatment

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When you hear the word “depression,” odds are you automatically think “sadness.” While sadness is a component of depression, the disorder also causes anger, fatigue, suicidal feelings, change in appetite, irritability, etc. In short, depression is a serious medical condition that affects all parts of a person’s life and which, if untreated, can lead to serious repercussions. At Arcara, our licensed psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners can help you learn to cope with and manage depression.

Depression can be situational, brought on by a life event such as the loss of a loved one or a change in jobs or relationship status. Other forms of depression are caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain and can seem to appear for no reason. Depression comes in many forms, and the symptoms vary from person to person. Some people also become very proficient at masking the symptoms of depression.

Clinical depression requires a diagnosis by a medical professional. Depression symptoms can range from mild to severe. If you experience any of the following symptoms, and they last more than a week, please speak with your doctor.

Feelings of sadness and hopefulness
Loss of interest or pleasure in normal activities
Anger management issues, especially if you are not even sure what you feel angry about
Weight loss or weight gain
Slowed, or sluggish thinking
Difficulty with concentration or difficulty making decisions
Sleep disturbances such as sleeping too much or too little
Feeling tired, depleted energy
Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
Unexplained physical problems such as digestive issues, back pain, and headaches
Frequent, recurrent thoughts of death or suicide (If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, please reach out for help immediately. Call your doctor, go to your local emergency room or call the Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255.)

Major Depressive Disorder is a mood disorder that causes the above symptoms. The cause of Major Depressive Disorder is not understood, but it does cause biological changes in the brain. Brain chemistry, hormones and inherited traits all play a part in making some people susceptible to the disorder.

Personality traits such as low self-esteem, lack of self-confidence, being pessimistic and being too dependent on others.
Blood relatives with a history of depression, Bipolar Disorder, suicide, or substance abuse are a significant risk factor for developing depression.
Traumatic events such as being victimized or abused, the death of someone close to you, financial or relationship problems are all factors that can cause a depressive episode.
A history of other mental health disorders can make you more prone to depression
Serious or chronic illnesses can cause depression.

Some people experience unusual symptoms of depression. People will also commonly hide the symptoms of their depression from friends and loved ones. This can make it difficult to help and support someone close to you if they do not exhibit the classic symptoms and do not open up about their feelings.

Changes in appetite and eating habits—If a person has always been conscientious about healthy eating and is suddenly frequently binging on junk food, they may be struggling with depression. A significant decrease in appetite may also be a warning sign.
A change in sleep habits—Those with insomnia are ten times more likely to struggle with depression. Sleeping too much can also signal a struggle with depression.
Fatigue—Fatigue is common in depression, and it is a symptom that is difficult to hide. If a person experiences a dramatic decrease in their energy level, depression may be the cause.
Disinterest in hobbies—If someone you care about seems to lose interest in things they once enjoyed, this can signal a depressive episode.
Forced happiness—It can be taxing to fake feeling happy. If you know a person well, you will probably be able to identify times when they let the mask slip.

There are several treatment options for depression. Medication, Behavioral Modification, and counseling can all be part of the tools used to combat depression. The first step is a psychiatric evaluation which involves a 45-minute session where we talk with you and learn about your personal and medical history. You may or may not have had previous experience with depression. Whether you have or not, we’ll assess your symptoms and, if you are diagnosed with depression, will then schedule a follow-up appointment. At the follow-up appointment it’s possible we’ll prescribe medication. If we do, we’ll clearly inform you of its risks and benefits. We’ll also provide you with lifestyle suggestions and coping strategies to help you better manage your condition. If we find you need further depression therapy, we can provide you with a referral to a Boston therapist who is licensed to treat depression. We will work with you to manage and support your recovery from depression. Give us a call today! It may take some time to find the right combination for you, so it is essential not to give up when you don’t see quick improvement. Finding the right combination of treatments is often a matter of trial and error, so be patient and stick with your treatment plan. If you notice a worsening of your symptoms and you are receiving treatment, contact your provider and let them know.

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Depression: Symptoms, Signs, Treatment

Depression

Symptoms of Depression

Risk Factors for Depression

Signs of Depression to Look Out For

Treatments for Depression

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