Depression Specialist

What is depression?

Depression is a mental health condition that can cause people overwhelming feelings of worthlessness, intense sadness, and hopelessness.

In most severe cases of depression, your thoughts, judgments, and behaviors change to accommodate a feeling, not a situation.

What are the signs of depression?

At the core of Arlington Family Practice values is conversation. Maintaining open channels of communication will make it possible for your doctor to alleviate, if not eliminate, your symptoms.

During your depression consultation, you’ll have the opportunity to discuss your state of mind and your symptoms. In doing so, you’ll build a meaningful rapport that will serve as a platform for you to freely express yourself out loud.

If you have been suffering from any of the following symptoms for more than two months, you may have depression.

• Intense sadness
• Feelings of unwarranted guilt, hopelessness, and worthlessness
• Appetite changes
• Sleep pattern fluctuations
• Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed
• Fatigue
• Concentration issues
• Suicidal ideation

What causes depression?

Although there’s no known cause for depression, brain chemistry changes can cause psychological reactions.

Serotonin and dopamine help you maintain your energy levels and a good mood. Your mood will fluctuate if you lack these neurotransmitters. It’s not exactly sure how these chemical imbalances work.

Nonetheless, other risk factors can contribute to depression, such as genetics and a family of mental health issues. You might also suffer from depression following domestic abuse, poverty, and violence.

How do you treat depression?

The most effective way to treat depression is through regular therapy. At Arlington Family Practice, your doctor runs tests to track your hormone imbalances and see whether medication can help you restore proper levels.

Testing the thyroid, hormone, and vitamin imbalances help your doctor determine whether your depression stems from brain chemistry issues or environmental factors.

Your doctor might also recommend antidepressants, which can help treat symptoms such as:

• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Panic attacks and stress
• Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
• Dysthymia — low mood for over two years

If you’re unwilling to take antidepressants, your doctor is more than happy to give you a referral for therapy. There, you’ll be able to discuss the environmental factors you think trigger your depression.

Overcoming depression can be difficult, but you’re not alone. Get in touch with Arlington Family Practice today by phone or online to book an appointment.