Depression: What it is and how to treat it.

Everyone feels sad or down at times. Stress at work, relationship challenges, financial pressures, or major life changes can all affect your mood. But when feelings of sadness, hopelessness or lack of interest don’t go away, it may be a sign of depression. About 1 in 5 adults experience some form of depression at some point in their lives, which is why it’s important to know the signs and how to get support.¹   

Is it sadness or depression? 

It can be hard to tell the difference between everyday sadness and depression.  It’s normal to feel sad when you experience loss or disappointment, lose your job, or have a tough day. But sadness often improves with time. 

Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest in things and activities you once enjoyed.²   It can affect how you think, feel and function day to day.  Experiencing symptoms of depression is part of the normal human experience. When many symptoms are present, nearly every day over a two-week period, this may indicate clinical depression.

Depression symptoms can include:

• Feelings of sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness
• Being easily irritated or frustrated
• Loss of interest or pleasure in most or all normal activities, such as sex, hobbies, or sports
• Sleep disturbances, including insomnia or sleeping too much
• Losing or gaining weight without intending to
• Tiredness, lack of energy, or fatigue
• Having a difficult time concentrating, making decisions or remembering things
• Anxiety, agitation, or restlessness
• Experiencing physical issues like headache, stomachache, or sexual dysfunction
• Having thoughts of self-harm or suicide

How depression is diagnosed.  

Depression is a medical condition, and addressing it is important for both your mental and physical health. Without treatment, depression can get worse and last longer. Healthcare providers can diagnose depression through a screening and understanding your symptoms, medical history and mental health history. They may diagnose you with a specific type of depression based on the context of your symptoms including:² 

• Major depressive disorder: Ongoing feelings of sadness or worthlessness for at least two weeks while also having other symptoms such as sleep problems, loss of interest in activities or change in appetite.
• Persistent depressive disorder:  A mild or moderate depression that lasts for at least two years. The symptoms that may be less severe but last longer.
• Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): A form of depression that follows a seasonal pattern, most commonly appearing in fall and winter. 
• Prenatal depression and postpartum depression: Prenatal depression is depression that happens during pregnancy. Postpartum depression develops after pregnancy.
  

How depression can be treated. 

Once diagnosed, depression is typically treated through therapy and/or medication. Your provider can help you determine what treatment plan is best for you. First Stop Health Virtual Primary Care providers can evaluate symptoms, diagnose depression and provide ongoing care, including prescriptions and referrals when appropriate. *

Tips to improve depression symptoms. 

Alongside your treatment plan, these tips can help to improve your mood and support your wellbeing:

• Getting regular exercise.
• Staying connected with friends or loved ones
• Getting quality sleep (not too little or too much)
• Eating a healthy diet
• Limiting alcohol and other mind-altering substances
• Practicing mindfulness or meditation techniques
• Spending time in nature
• Learning new things

How we can help with depression. 

If you or a loved one is dealing with depression, it may be time to seek help. With First Stop Health Virtual Primary Care, our team is here to provide diagnosis and ongoing care, including prescriptions and referrals, when appropriate.

If you also have First Stop Health Virtual Therapy or Mental Healthcare available to you, mental health professionals are available to provide compassionate, evidence-based care to help you develop coping strategies and feel more supported.

Taking the first step can feel difficult — but help is available. When you’re ready, First Stop Health is here to support you. Visit your profile to learn more about the services available to you.

 

Sources: 

   National, State-Level, and County-Level Prevalence Estimates of Adults Aged ≥18 Years Self-Reporting a Lifetime Diagnosis of Depression — United States, 2020 | MMWR¹
  Depression: Causes, Symptoms, Types & Treatment²
Depression (major depressive disorder) - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic³

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