What is depression?
Depression is more than a simple bout of the blues or a rough patch in life; it’s a serious mental health condition that affects the way you think, feel, and behave.
When you’re depressed, daily activities such as sleeping, eating, and going to work may seem impossible. At its worst, depression can make you feel like life isn’t worth living.
Though depression may tempt you to give up hope, Dr. Adair can help. Using integrative psychiatry, he offers both medication management and psychotherapy to effectively treat depression.
What are the symptoms of depression?
Depression symptoms vary from person-to-person. You may have depression if you experience some of the following symptoms for most of the day, almost every day, for at least two weeks:
- Feelings of sadness or hopelessness
- Irritability or anger outbursts
- Loss of interest in pleasurable activities
- Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Decreased energy
- Trouble concentrating or remembering
- Moving and speaking more slowly
- Restlessness or trouble sitting still
- Unexplained physical aches and pains
- Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide
You may experience only a few of these symptoms or many. If these symptoms are persistent and interfere with your normal routine, you may have depression.
Who is at risk for depression?
Depression is one of the most prevalent mental health disorders in the US. You can develop depression at any age without a clear, identifiable cause. Certain factors may increase your risk for depression, including:
- Personal or family history of depression
- Major life changes, such as divorce or job loss
- Traumatic events, such as personal assault
- Certain medical conditions, such as chronic pain
Without treatment, depression may worsen and result in behavioral, emotional, and health problems that affect every aspect of your life.
How is depression treated?
First, Dr. Adair spends time with you discussing your specific concerns and goals for treatment. Then, he develops an individualized treatment plan that includes a combination of medication management and psychotherapy.
Dr. Adair’s approach to psychotherapy with depression uses many techniques including CBT and Jungian Psychotherapy.
To find relief from depression and reclaim your life, call the office of Frank Adair, MD today.
