You’re not alone if depression leaves you without the energy or desire to get out of bed. At least 3 in 4 depressed adults struggle with similar severe symptoms. The experienced team at the Mental Health Clinic of Idaho, can guide you back to a vibrant life with treatments that improve depression. They offer telehealth and in-person visits, making it easier for you to connect even when you’re too depressed to leave the house.
Depression Q & A
Why do I feel depressed?
Depression develops for many reasons and sometimes occurs without an obvious cause. Many people feel depressed due to a problem in their life, such as losing a job, facing financial difficulties, or arguing with their partner.
Major changes can cause depression even when they seem positive. For example, you may want to move for a better job but are depressed over leaving people and places behind.
Depression frequently begins after learning you, or someone you love has an illness. And some health conditions can cause depression because they affect your biochemistry.
When depression hits without an identifiable cause, you may have an imbalance in the brain chemicals (neurotransmitters) that regulate your mood.
No matter what causes your depression, once it takes hold, it seldom gets better on its own. Without treatment, depression lasts longer and increases your risk for serious mental and physical problems.
What symptoms indicate I have depression?
There are several depressive disorders, but they all cause similar symptoms. You might experience at least a few of the following:
- Feeling sad, hopeless, and worthless
- Losing interest in activities you enjoy
- Gaining or losing weight
- Having insomnia or oversleeping
- Moving slowly and aimlessly
- Feeling drained of energy
- Struggling to concentrate
- Thinking about death or suicide
Don’t hesitate to connect with the Mental Health Clinic of Idaho if your depression symptoms last two weeks or longer.
What treatments improve depression?
At the Mental Health Clinic of Idaho, your provider understands it’s hard to reach out for help and talk when you’re depressed.
They make it as easy as possible, but they also need to get enough information to understand why you’re depressed, determine the severity of your symptoms, and recommend treatment.
Treatment often focuses on one or more of the following approaches:
- Providing therapy, especially cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Prescribing antidepressant medications
- Improving your sleep habits
- Restoring a steady routine with consistent meal times
- Recommending physical exercise (it releases endorphins and improves mood)
- Helping you take small steps to return to activities you enjoy
People with moderate to severe depression may need antidepressants, especially if their depression interferes with their ability to take care of daily responsibilities. Depression related to a life challenge or causes mild symptoms may improve with therapy.