Our Services / Depression

What is depression?

Depression is a chronic behavioral disorder that affects how you think and feel. Often, it causes intense feelings of sadness or a loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy. 

Everyone feels sad occasionally, but if your symptoms persist for months or even years, it may be depression. Although there’s no cure, it’s possible to relieve uncomfortable symptoms through a combination of healthy lifestyle changes, prescription medication, and counseling.

What are the symptoms of depression?

Symptoms of depression include:

• Feelings of sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness
• Angry outbursts, irritability, or frustration
• Sleep disturbances
• Lack of energy or fatigue
• Anxiety, agitation, or restlessness
• Slowed thinking

As your depression worsens, you might also experience physical symptoms, like migraine headaches, joint pain, or lower back pain.

When should I see my primary care provider about depression?

Make an appointment with the team at Today’s Wellness and Primary Care if you regularly feel low and your symptoms don’t improve. That’s especially true if your feelings affect your ability to work, exercise, or spend time with your family and friends. 

What causes depression?

Researchers aren’t entirely sure what causes depression, but several factors are thought to contribute, including:

• Brain chemistry
• Hormones
• Biological brain differences
• Inherited traits (like genetics)

Depression affects people of all ages, but it typically begins in the teens, 20s, or 30s.

How is depression diagnosed?

The team at Today’s Wellness and Primary Care diagnoses depression during an in-office visit. 

First, your provider asks about your symptoms, including when they started, if they’re worse during certain times of the day, and if anything helps you feel better. Next, your provider conducts a physical exam and orders lab work, including blood tests and urinalysis.

Your provider also conducts a psychiatric evaluation to gather information about your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. They might also have you fill out a questionnaire. Make sure to answer all of the questions honestly. The team uses that information to make treatment recommendations.

How is depression treated?

At Today’s Wellness and Primary Care, the team treats depression using a combination of healthy lifestyle changes, counseling, and prescription medication if necessary. Eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and getting plenty of sleep are often enough to improve your outlook.

If your symptoms persist, the team might recommend drugs, like:

• Selective serotonin uptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
• Atypical antidepressants
• Tricyclic antidepressants
• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
• Anti-anxiety medication
• Stimulant medications

Ultimately, the goal of treatment is to relieve feelings of sadness and improve your general outlook.

To receive treatment for depression, make an appointment at Today’s Wellness and Primary Care by calling the nearest office or booking online today.