Depression
Depression
Life has its natural ups and downs, but depression is more than feeling sad. Those with depression may experience persistent feelings of hopelessness, emptiness, and loss of interest that affect every aspect of daily life. Depression can impact your energy, sleep, relationships, and ability to function at work or home. It often begins gradually but can become debilitating without treatment. If you're experiencing prolonged sadness, changes in sleep or appetite, or thoughts of worthlessness, please discuss your symptoms with our qualified clinicians
What Is Depression?
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a serious medical condition that affects how you feel, think, and handle daily activities. It is estimated that 21 million adults in the United States have experienced at least one major depressive episode. While it can develop at any age, depression often first appears during the late teens to mid-20s.
Depression is not a sign of weakness or a character flaw. It is a treatable medical condition caused by a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors. Depression affects a person’s mood, energy, and cognitive functions, including concentration and decision-making ability.
Depression Symptoms In Adolescents
Diagnosing depression in adolescence can be challenging, as teens are developing emotionally and may express depression differently than adults. Parents and teachers should look for the following signs. Their home and school environment should be observed.
Emotional symptoms:
- Persistent sadness or irritability
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
- Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
- Social withdrawal from friends and family
- Excessive sensitivity to rejection
- Crying spells without obvious cause
- Hopelessness about the future
- Low self-esteem
Physical and behavioral symptoms:
- Declining academic performance
- Changes in eating habits
- Sleep disturbances (too much or too little)
- Difficulty concentrating
- Fatigue and low energy
- Neglect of personal appearance
- Substance experimentation
- Self-harm behaviors
Signs And Symptoms In Adults
Depression is diagnosed in adults when symptoms persist for at least two weeks and represent a change from previous functioning. Diagnosis of depression in adults can be complex because other conditions, such as thyroid disorders or vitamin deficiencies, cause similar symptoms.
Symptoms of Psychological:
- Persistent sad or empty mood
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Guilt or worthlessness
- Loss of interest in hobbies
- Difficulty experiencing pleasure
- Irritability or frustration
- Anxiety or restlessness
- Thoughts of death or suicide
- Emotional numbness
Symptoms of Physical:
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Sleep disturbances
- Fatigue or loss of energy
- Slowed movements or speech
- Unexplained aches and pains
- Difficulty concentrating
- Indecisiveness
- Decreased libido
Our Treatment Approach for Depression
What Causes Depression
The exact cause involves multiple factors. Brain chemistry imbalances play a significant role in determining if a person will develop depression.
Other risk factors include:
- Family history of depression
- Traumatic or stressful life events
- Chronic medical conditions
- Hormonal changes
- Substance use
How Is Depression Treated
Depression is highly treatable, with over 80% of individuals responding positively to treatment. A combination of therapy and lifestyle changes typically produces the best outcomes.
Treatment options include:
- Psychotherapy (CBT, interpersonal therapy)
- Combination therapy approaches
Medication Management
For many individuals, medication can provide meaningful relief from depression symptoms. Our psychiatric providers specialize in evaluating whether medication may be appropriate for your situation and monitoring treatment effectiveness. We take time to discuss how treatment works, what to expect, and answer your questions. It is important to consult a mental health provider to determine the appropriate treatment plan.
Behavioral Therapy
Psychotherapy is highly effective for depression, helping individuals understand their condition and develop healthier thinking patterns. Adults can benefit from improved coping strategies, communication skills, and behavioral activation.
Areas of focus include:
- Identifying negative thought patterns
- Behavioral activation techniques
- Problem-solving skills
- Interpersonal relationship improvement
- Grief and loss processing
Lifestyle Changes
- Maintaining regular physical activity
- Establishing consistent sleep schedules
- Building social connections
- Setting realistic, achievable goals
- Limiting alcohol consumption
- Practicing stress reduction techniques
Find Help With Your Anxiety At
We offer comprehensive treatment plans for people with depression. Depending on the client’s needs, this may include medication management and supportive therapy.
Coded Healthcare also offers telepsychiatry as an option for patients who opt for the convenience of their homes. Being unable to come into the office should not prohibit anyone from receiving depression management services. We will tailor a treatment plan to fit your specific needs.
Frequently Asked Question
What should I do if I or a loved one think they have depression?
Contact a mental health provider or your primary care provider to discuss your symptoms. Depression can mimic other medical and psychiatric conditions.
Is depression different from normal sadness?
Yes. While sadness is temporary and usually has a clear cause, depression persists for weeks or months and affects your ability to function daily.
How is depression diagnosed?
Diagnosis involves a comprehensive evaluation including symptom assessment, medical history review, and sometimes laboratory tests to rule out other causes.
How can Coded Healthcare help with my depression?
Our clinicians provide personalized treatment plans that may include therapy, medication management, and lifestyle recommendations tailored to your needs.