Depression is a mood disorder that causes low moods like sadness and hopelessness, but fortunately, it’s one of the most treatable mental health conditions. The experienced general practitioners at Family Medicine Associates, PC, in Thornton, Colorado, provide individualized treatment and support to manage depression. To learn more, call the office to schedule an appointment or book online today.
Depression, also called major depressive disorder, is a mood disorder that causes persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, worthlessness, and other negative emotions. Living with depression can be tiring and disheartening, and the symptoms can have widespread effects on your work life, relationships, and general well-being.
Various factors play a role in the onset of depression, including your brain chemistry, genetics, personality, and trauma in your past, like exposure to abuse or violence. The team at Family Medicine Associates, PC, provides detailed assessments to diagnose depression and rule out other possible causes of your symptoms.
Fortunately, there are many ways to manage depression effectively. With individualized care at Family Medicine Associates, PC, you can improve your outlook, boost your energy, and stay on track with productivity.
The most prevalent symptom of depression is an ongoing sense of sadness or hopelessness. However, some people with depression describe a feeling of emptiness instead of being sad. It’s common to lose interest in the subjects and activities you usually find engaging, and you might struggle to stay on track with your responsibilities.
Some of the other common symptoms of depression include:
To get a depression diagnosis, the symptoms you experience must cause a notable change in your normal level of function. The team at Family Medicine Associates, PC, might also recommend testing to rule out other possible causes of your problems, such as hormone imbalances or vitamin deficiencies.
The team at Family Medicine Associates, PC, plans your treatment for depression accounting for the specific effects it has on your life. Most people experience a reduction in depression symptoms using multiple treatment strategies, including:
The team at Family Medicine Associates, PC, might encourage you to center whole foods in your diet, get more exercise, cut back on alcohol, and take other steps to develop a healthier routine and promote a more positive outlook.
Antidepressants are prescription medications that balance your brain chemistry to help make depression more manageable.
A mental health professional can help you examine your thoughts and emotions and teach you coping skills to manage your depressive symptoms.
If you experience symptoms of depression and would like to explore options for treatment, schedule an appointment over the phone or online at Family Medicine Associates, PC, today.