Caring for Your Mental Health: Understanding Depression Inside Out

If you’re among the 21 million American adults who had at least one depressive episode, you might feel so low that getting out of bed, being with loved ones, or enjoying your usual activities becomes difficult.

Major depression brings over 50 symptoms, from common sadness to unexpected signs like anger, workaholism, and even physical pain.

Depression in adults - Direct Primary Care Elevated Health

In 2023, 29.0% of Americans report having been diagnosed with depression in their lifetime, while 17.8% reporting currently having depression according to Gallup News.

Depression is a mental health condition that affects how a person feels, thinks, and behaves. It involves imbalances in brain chemicals called neurotransmitters, like serotonin and dopamine, which play a role in mood regulation. These imbalances can lead to persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest, and other symptoms. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), depression is characterized by changes in brain structure and function, impacting emotions and cognitive processes.

Depression isn’t just debilitating; it can be fatal. Shockingly, around one in five people with depression will attempt suicide eventually.

The Impact of Depression on Mental Well-being

Depression, often referred to as a mood disorder, can cast a shadow over various aspects of our lives. Imagine feeling persistently down, losing interest in things that once brought joy, or experiencing a heavy sense of hopelessness. These emotions go beyond the occasional blues – they can impact daily life significantly.

According to an article published from John Hopkins medicine, people who are depressed are far more likely to have other chronic medical conditions, including cardiovascular disease, back problems, arthritis, diabetes, and high blood pressure, and to have worse outcomes. Untreated depression can even affect your immune response to some vaccines.

Recognizing the Symptoms

Symptoms that may indicate depression include:

feeling irritable or grumpy
feeling tired
feeling worthless or guilty most of the time
having thoughts of death or suicide
having trouble sleeping – either falling asleep or staying asleep
lacking motivation and feeling everything is too hard
losing interest in food or eating too much
losing weight or gaining weight
lack of interest in their hobbies
not looking after their own hygiene
using cigarettes, alcohol or illegal drugs.

Sometimes there are no obvious symptoms of depression, but people around you may notice behavioral changes that suggest depression and should not be ignored. These include:

Lack of enjoyment doing things that were formerly pleasurable.
Low energy and a constant feeling of fatigue.
Irritability, frustration, or anger over small matters.
Academic problems that are not consistent with ability.
Irritability, frustration, or anger over small matters.
Increased consumption of drugs, alcohol, or other substances.
Reduced interest in relationships and sexual activity.

You’re Not Alone in This Battle

Understanding that you’re not alone in your journey is crucial and seeking help is a sign of strength.

For adults who experience some of the warning signs mentioned in this article, there are various ways to offer support.

Understanding The Therapy Available

Identifying the symptoms is the first step toward seeking help.. The good news is that depression is treatable, and seeking professional help can lead to significant improvements. A combination of therapies is often recommended:

Therapy: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps individuals identify negative thought patterns and replace them with healthier ones. Eric Burk, our experienced therapist, specializes in guiding you through this transformative process.
Medication: In some cases, antidepressant medication might be prescribed by a psychiatrist, especially for moderate to severe depression.
Lifestyle Changes: Engaging in regular exercise, adopting a balanced diet, getting adequate sleep, and practicing relaxation techniques like mindfulness and meditation can positively impact your mental health.

Caring for your mental health is a lifelong journey, and understanding depression is a significant step in this process. By recognizing its causes, symptoms, and available treatment strategies, you’re equipping yourself with the knowledge needed to prioritize your well-being.

Our Direct Primary Care clinic, Elevated Health, is committed to providing mental health support through our therapy sessions with Eric Burk. Your mental health matters, and we’re here to help you navigate the path to emotional wellness.

Eric’s expertise lies in guiding individuals through their challenges and empowering them to regain control of their lives.

We offer free meet and greet to first timers. You may call us at 714-916-5210 and schedule your first appointment. We cater to anyone in California and especially in areas in Huntington Beach, Irvine, Orange County, Newport Beach, Los Angeles.

Remember, you don’t have to face depression alone.

Reference: American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.).

Reference links: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/depression-what-you-need-to-know-as-you-age