What Is Depression and How Can It Be Treated?

Sometimes, depression can be part of your normal cyclic behavior and cause feelings of sadness, and many people experience it for short periods of time. For clinical depression to be diagnosed, the low feeling must interfere with a person’s ability to function normally on a day to day basis for weeks or months. If you suffer from depression and need a long term solution, Las Vegas medical clinics can provide integrated treatment solutions that are easy to implement into your life.

The exact cause of depression is not known, but it is believed to be brought on by chemical changes that take place in the brain. The changes could be genetic, brought on by a major event, or a combination of the two. It can also be triggered by drug or alcohol use, or certain medical conditions like chronic pain, cancer or hypothyroidism, as well as sleeping problems and stressful events like a death, illness, divorce, childhood neglect or abuse, job loss, or social isolation.

Low feelings or depressive thoughts can affect the way a person thinks about themselves and their life. They generally have a prevailing negative attitude about their life and sense of self. Different symptoms may present in different people, and may include feelings of restlessness or agitation, withdrawal or isolation, concentration problems, appetite changes, which can result in weight gain or weight loss, loss of energy and tiredness, guilt, low self-worth or self-hate, thoughts of death and suicide.

Your doctor may need to do some blood tests to ensure that no underlying medical conditions are causing the problems before treating depression. Treatment may include psychotherapy, medication like SSRIs or SNRIs, or a combination of both approaches. People who have severe depression usually benefit from a combined approach. Medication does not work for everyone immediately, and some people may need to try different meds or combinations of different medications before they experience any changes. Younger adults, the elderly, teenagers and children who are medicated for depression should be monitored closely for signs of suicidal thoughts. St John’s Wort is often prescribed as a herbal treatment for depressive symptoms, but it may interact with other medications you are taking, so speak to your doctor before using it.

Some people find joining a support group can help them get through their depression and help to transform negative thoughts into positive, self-fulfilling thoughts. Depression has the potential to progress and cause major complications in your life. If you are exhibiting any of the symptoms, speak to your doctor at low cost clinics in Las Vegas about treatment options.