A New Crossroad

Depression Treatment

What is Depression and How Can It Be Treated?

Depression is a mood disorder that causes sadness and loss of interest. It is also known as major depressive disorder (or clinical depression). It affects your mood, thoughts, behavior and can cause a range of emotional and physical issues. It can make it difficult perform your daily activities and may even cause you to feel like life isn’t worth living.

Depression is not a weakness. You can’t just “flip a switch” and turn it off. Depression may require long-term treatment, but don’t get discouraged. Many people suffering from depression find that medication, psychotherapy, or both can make them feel better.

What Causes Depression?

It is not clear exactly what causes depression. Like many mental disorders, there are varying factors that could be responsible.

Biological differences. People suffering from depression may have brain changes. Although the significance of these changes are still unknown, it may help to pinpoint their causes.
Brain Chemistry. Neurotransmitters, which are naturally occurring brain chemicals, may play a role when depression occurs. Recent research suggests that Depression Treatment in Charlotte, NC and management may be affected by changes in neurotransmitters’ function and effects.
Hormones. A change in the body’s hormone balance could be responsible for triggering or causing depression. Pregnancy and the weeks and months following delivery (postpartum), as well as thyroid problems, menopause and a variety of other conditions can all lead to hormonal changes.
Genetic traits. Depression is more common among people whose relatives have the condition. Researchers are looking for genes that could be responsible for depression.

How Can We Help?

What are the Symptoms of Depression?

Depression may only occur once in your life. However, many people experience multiple episodes. These episodes can present themselves almost every day. These symptoms can look like:

Feelings that are sad, depressed, hopeless, or tearful
Anger outbursts, frustration or irritability, even about small things
A loss of interest in or enjoyment in any or all of the normal activities such as sex, hobbies, or sports
Sleep disturbances include insomnia and excessive sleeping
You may feel tired and depleted of energy. This makes it more difficult to complete small tasks
Increased food cravings and appetite, weight loss, or decreased appetite
Anxiety, agitation, or restlessness
Slow thinking, speaking, or body movements
Feelings devalued or guilt, dwelling on past failures/self-blame
Problems with thinking, concentration, decision making, and memory
Suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts are frequent along with recurrent thoughts
Unexplained physical issues, such as headaches or back pain

Depression symptoms can cause significant problems in daily activities such as school, work, and relationships. Sometimes people feel miserable and unhappy, but they don’t know why.

Depression symptoms for children and teens

While the signs and symptoms of depression that are common in teenagers and children are similar to those experienced by adults, there may be some differences.

Depression symptoms in younger children may include sadness and irritability.
Teens may experience sadness, irritability and feeling worthless. They might also feel depressed, anxious, or have a hard time understanding others.

Depression symptoms for older adults

Depression is not something that should be considered a normal part in aging. Depression is often not diagnosed and treated in older adults. This can lead to reluctance to seek Depression Treatment. Older adults may experience symptoms of depression that are less apparent or more subtle.

Memory problems or personality changes
Aches and pains in the body
A medical condition, medication, or a physical condition, can cause fatigue, loss of appetite, sleep problems, or loss of interest or sex.
Many people prefer to stay home and not go out to socialize, or do new things.
Suicidal thoughts or feelings, particularly in older men

Depression Treatment Options

The severity of your depression along with the type, will determine which Depression Treatment plan you choose. Psychotherapy is available for some cases. Some might also take antidepressants, or be treated with other therapies. Exercise is also a good option.

You have many other options if that is not enough for you. Your doctor might recommend brain stimulation techniques like transcranial magnetic stimulation or electroconvulsive therapy.

Biplolar depression can be treated by your doctor. This will also depend on the severity of your symptoms and your medical history. The condition can also be treated with mood-stabilizing drugs and certain antipsychotic medications.

Every person is different. To find the best Depression Treatment, you may need to experiment with different drugs and dosages. Sometimes it takes time for antidepressants to kick in. Before you can find the right one, you may have to meet with several doctors and therapists. You will feel better if you are patient and keep an open-minded throughout your Depression Treatment.

Find Depression Treatment

A New Crossroad offers personalized medication assisted treatment programs for Depression Treatment. Contact our team of substance abuse and mental health treatment professionals today to schedule your consultation with us!