More than 16 million American adults struggle with depression, which can severely interfere with quality of life.
Mental wellness can stem from a wide variety of elements, such as:
- Hormonal changes
- Viruses/Illness
- Interpersonal conflict
- Trauma
- Pollution
Depression Q & A
What is depression?
Depression is a common mood disorder that causes feelings of intense sadness, uselessness, and guilt. Signs of depression include but are not limited to:
- Loss of interest in activities
- Changes in appetite
- Changes in sleep routines
- Fatigue
- Reduced concentration
- Indecisiveness
- Thoughts of death or suicide
Your depressed mood and negative thoughts and emotions can interfere with your ability to function at work or at home. It can also lead to unhealthy choices that might provide temporary relief, but actually, make your condition worse.
Depression is different from grief or the temporary sadness that everyone experiences from time to time. Both grief and everyday sadness pass with time. Depression may be triggered by loss, but last much longer. The symptoms disrupt your quality of life and tend to get worse when left untreated.
When should I talk to a doctor about depression?
If you’re plagued by intense sadness and feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness, you should make an appointment at Family Medical Center to talk about depression. Depression can last for months or years when left untreated, and can significantly affect your overall health. If you’re thinking about suicide, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room for immediate help.
How is depression treated?
At Family Medical Center, Dr. Heldzinger and his team focus on identifying the root cause of your depression and offering customized treatments and therapies to restore your mental, emotional, and physical health. They follow the Neil Nedley™ community-based program for depression.
The Nedley approach is a community-based program that reviews 10 categories that indicate depression and may be part of its root cause. The 10 categories include:
- Genetic
- Developmental
- Lifestyle
- Circadian rhythm
- Addiction
- Nutrition
- Toxic
- Social/complicated grief
- Medical condition
- Frontal lobe