What is depression?
Everyone feels sad from time to time, especially in response to difficult life events, but depression is more than just sadness. Not only does depression last longer than a regular bout of sadness; it refers to a wider range of emotions and symptoms. You may be experiencing depression if you:
- Feel persistently sad, tearful, hopeless, numb, or empty, and don’t know when or how you can feel better
- Are losing interest in your everyday activities, including things you once enjoyed doing
- Are experiencing problems at work, in school, or in your relationships
- Have recently lost or gained a lot of weight without trying to
- Have difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Have constant fatigue or low energy
- Have trouble sleeping, whether you sleep too much, not enough, or never feel rested
In general, what distinguishes depression from sadness is that depression noticeably affects your well-being and day-to-day functioning. If you’re struggling, seek help at Human Touch Behavioral Health, even if you’re not sure your whether your problems qualify as depression.
What causes depression?
Though the exact cause of depression is unknown, common risk factors for developing depression include:
- Abuse: Experiencing abuse may lead directly to depression or make you more vulnerable to depression in the future.
- Substance use: Using alcohol and recreational drugs can increase the likelihood of depression.
- Stress: Depression can follow major life events, including loss of a loved one, divorce, and financial struggles. Depression can also be a response to chronic stress.
- Physical illness: Illnesses, including chronic conditions that require everyday management and life-changing medical emergencies like a stroke or heart attack, often coexist with depression.
Depression has a genetic and biological component. Some people are more likely than others to develop depression in response to the above risk factors. However, even if you have a family member with depression, your experience of the condition may be different.
What treatments are available for depression?
Dr. Trivedi treats depression with a combination of medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes. Effective therapy approaches for depression include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which focuses on recognizing and changing negative thought patterns.
She may also prescribe an antidepressant medication, such as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), which can reduce or control your symptoms, so you can be more receptive to the positive effects of therapy.
When treating depression, Dr. Trivedi assesses environmental and lifestyle factors that may contribute to your condition. She may recommend the following:
- Regular exercise
- Eating a nutritious diet
- Strengthening your support network
- Abstaining from drugs and alcohol
- Participating in activities that give you a sense of purpose
When combined with therapy and medication, these lifestyle changes can be very effective for reducing depression symptoms and even preventing them from returning.
To get help for depression, schedule an appointment with Dr. Trivedi by calling Human Touch Behavioral Health today.
