What Is Depression?

Depression is a serious medical condition that affects how you feel, think, and act. People who suffer from the disease have feelings of sadness and no longer enjoy things that they once loved.

In order to be diagnosed with depression, these feelings of sadness and hopelessness must occur for an extended period of time.

If left untreated, patients struggle to get through their day, at work and at home. Some patients also start to think about suicide and death.

How Does Depression Affect Your Brain and Physical Health?

Depression can affect patients in many ways. These include:

• Weight gain or loss
• Loss (or increased) appetite
• Trouble sleeping
• Trouble focusing
• Unexplainable (and chronic) pain
• Headaches or migraines
• Heart disease. In fact, one in five people with depression also has heart failure or coronary artery disease.
• Inflammation disorders. Depression can cause inflammatory conditions or autoimmune disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), type 2 diabetes, and arthritis. If you already have these, it can make worse.
• And much more!

How Can It Be Treated or Managed?

Depression is treatable with the following:

Medication. Since depression can be caused by changes in brain chemistry, patients often experience positive results by using medication. Though many see improvement with antidepressants right away, it can take a few months for these to work. Most patients need to be on medications for at least six months after they are feeling better, while others require them for a little longer.

Therapy. Some patients do best with therapy (talk therapy). Others require medication and therapy to fully cope with their depression.

Not only can patients talk about their problems, but they can also learn helpful ways to cope with their depression and how to make better choices with how they react to different stimuli in life.

Why Should You Call or See Dr. Anastasiou?

 If you or someone that you love is struggling with depression, don’t hesitate to contact us today. We will help you find better ways to cope so that you can feel more like yourself again!