Depression

What is depression?

Nearly everyone feels down in the dumps at some point, but depression can be crippling for some people when left untreated. Depression affects about 1 in 12 adults in the United States.  Experts estimate that 21 million adults in the United States have had at least one major depressive episode. This number represented 8.4% of all adults in the United States. 

The mental health specialists at Nevada Family Psychiatry understand that depression can rob you of your life. They recognize and treat depression to improve your ability to function in relationships, in school, and at work.

What are the symptoms of depression?

You might experience the following symptoms because of depression:

• Weight loss or weight gain
• Changes in sleeping patterns
• Feeling hopeless or worthless
• Guilt or shame
• Thoughts of suicide
• Extreme or ongoing sadness
• Loss of interest in favorite things
• Socially isolating yourself
• Feeling of emptiness 
• Lack of pleasure and interest

When left untreated, your symptoms might go away on their own or could linger for months, even years. If depression affects certain aspects of your life, or if you have thoughts of harming yourself, see Mr. Somers for an evaluation.

What are the common risk factors for depression?

Depression can be triggered by genetics and a family history of mental health challenges or situational life events like divorce, a death in the family, or a job loss. Sometimes the cause of depression isn’t clear, but it might result from changes in brain chemistry.

Adopting healthy habits is the best way to reduce your chance of developing depression, but you can’t always avoid it.

How is depression diagnosed?

Dr. Somers diagnoses depression after reviewing your symptoms, lifestyle, and medical history. He’ll complete a physical exam and a psychiatric evaluation by asking questions about your thoughts, behavior patterns, lifestyle, and mood.

How is depression treated?

Standard depression treatments include taking prescription medication, making lifestyle changes, and attending counseling to learn how to change your behavior to help you better cope with the ongoing sadness.

Dr. Somers might also recommend you try anti-inflammatory diets, and various lifestyle modification proven to improve many of the impairing symptoms of depression. 

Additionally, stress-reduction techniques like meditation, exercise, and yoga can dramatically improve depression. 

Don’t struggle with depression in silence. Let the experts at Nevada Family Psychiatry help you enjoy life to its fullest. Schedule an appointment today with Dr.  Somers by phone or online.