Depression

What is depression?

Depression, clinically referred to as a major depressive disorder, is a common mental illness that affects the balance of mood-regulating chemicals in your brain. Depression causes feelings of sadness, irritability, despair, self-doubt, and a distorted and negative sense of self.

While depression stems from chemical imbalances in your brain, episodes are often triggered by loss. For example, you may lose a loved one or a valued person’s love and attention, you could lose your sense of bodily integrity following injury or illness, or even lose your sense of self, becoming overwhelmed with feelings of helplessness.

A history of neglect, violence, and poverty, as well as a family history of mental health issues, increase your risk of developing depression.

What are the common symptoms of depression?

Depression is more intense than the occasional sadness or grief than everyone experiences at different points in their lives. Depression causes a range of emotional and physical symptoms, including:

• Intense sadness
• An inability to experience pleasure
• Hopelessness or helplessness
• Guilt and self-loathing
• A feeling that life has no meaning
• Changes in appetite and sleep patterns
• Extreme fatigue
• Low libido
• Poor concentration
• Indecision
• Withdrawal from friends and social activities
• Thoughts of death and suicide

In addition to general depressive disorder, you may experience other forms of depression. These include seasonal affective disorder (SAD), bipolar disorder, and postpartum depression.

If you have suicidal thoughts, go to your nearest emergency room or call 911 for immediate assistance.

How is depression treated?

Dr. Feder begins with a comprehensive assessment and consultation. This includes working with your health care team to be sure you get a physical exam to check for signs of physical illnesses or diseases that could contribute to depression or exacerbate your symptoms, such as thyroid disorders.

Dr. Feder works with you to create a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. In many cases, he combines medication, therapy, and lifestyle modifications.

Unfortunately, medication isn’t a magical and instant solution for depression. It does, however, regulate your brain function and reduce your symptoms, so you can focus your energy on identifying and resolving underlying issues during your therapy sessions.

You may also find that adjusting your diet and getting regular exercise helps you feel better. Dr. Feder will also support you in reconnecting to people and activities that can help you to feel better. This comprehensive approach aims at the overall goal of helping you feel happier and healthier.

If you’re living with depression, call Dr. Feder or make an appointment online to get the expert help you need.