Depression Q & A

What is depression?

Depression, or major depressive disorder, is a common mood disorder in all age groups. It has negative effects on your mindset and perception. While experiencing depression, you may feel sad, hopeless for the future, and uninterested in the topics that usually intrigue you. 

Depression can last for months or even years. It can come and go regularly throughout your life and at times interfere with your outlook and will to live. Fortunately, evidence-based treatments for depression can help regulate your mood and improve your outlook.

When you visit Adrian Counseling and Psychiatric Clinic with symptoms of depression, your providers assess your symptoms, go over your medical history, and may recommend tests to rule out other possible causes of your symptoms, such as hormone disorders. 

Once your provider has a diagnosis, they can create your custom treatment plan and help you adopt habits that promote mental wellness. 

What are the symptoms of depression?

Depression symptoms aren’t exactly the same for everyone, and the ways depression affects you can change throughout your life according to your age and circumstances. Common symptoms of major depressive disorder include:

• Irritability

• Frequent crying

• Hopelessness

• Feelings of worthlessness

• Sadness or emptiness

• Weight or appetite changes

• Oversleeping

• Trouble falling asleep

• Unexplained physical aches and pains

• Suicidal thoughts

  You may notice a decline in your work productivity or performance, the communication in your social relationships, or your ability to care for yourself at home. Depression also often coincides with other mental health concerns like anxiety or addiction. 

  What are my treatment options for depression?

  Treating depression requires a personalized care plan that you can get from your provider at Adrian Counseling and Psychiatric Clinic. Typically the best depression care involves a combination of:

• Medications: Antidepressants are medications that influence your brain chemistry to ease symptoms of depression. They work best when you also engage in some form of psychotherapy or counseling. 

• Psychotherapy or counseling: Psychotherapy and counseling give you the opportunity to talk through your problems with a licensed professional. They can guide you through healthy coping strategies and help you recognize your negative thoughts and behavioral patterns. 

• Lifestyle and routine changes: Your providers can help you search for ways to improve your overall mental wellness, like building a consistent routine, getting more sleep, or cutting back on alcohol.

  For more information on depression, call Adrian Counseling and Psychiatric Clinic, or book an appointment online today.