Dr. Tina Bradley with Clark Primary Care answers some frequently asked questions about depression.
How do I know if I’m experiencing depression versus just feeling down? When should I talk to a doctor about it?
People that are depressed feel down, but it is more than that. Clinical depression involves other symptoms as well. You may experience some of the following additional symptoms if you are clinically depressed:
- feeling exhausted all the time
- loss of interest in activities you would normally enjoy
- finding day-to-day life difficult
- difficulty sleeping
- withdrawing from others
- changes in appetite
- feelings of hopelessness, guilt, blaming yourself or feeling like you are a failure
- feeling unusual aches and pains
- thoughts of self-harm
If you have noticed these changes in yourself, or if you see these changes in others that persist over a few weeks, then you should consider making an appointment with your primary care physician. And certainly anytime you or someone you know expresses thoughts or feelings of self-harm, you should reach out for help immediately. In the U.S., call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Or use the Lifeline Chat at 988lifeline.org/chat/. Services are free and confidential. Or you can always also call 911.
Also, it is important to realize that episodes of depression can be triggered by a sad event, or they can seemingly come out of nowhere. I often have patients tell me that they have no reason to feel this way, but there does not have to be a reason!
What might the course of treatment for depression look like?
When you see your physician, they will ask you questions, perform a physical exam and may run certain lab tests to rule out any underlying physical health problems.
Most often the treatment for depression is multifaceted. Your physician will:
- Talk to you about support that is available, such as counseling or a support group
- May offer you medication, if that is appropriate
- Recommend lifestyle changes that can improve your mental health, such as exercise or better eating habits
- May refer you to a specialist if necessary
Does depression look different for men and women?
For women, hormonal changes during menopause can be associated with an increased risk of depression. Research also indicates that women may be more likely to show more typical and recognizable symptoms of depression than men. Women may be more likely to talk about how they feel and seek help. Society traditionally has pressured men to be more stoic and less likely to express their emotions openly. Hopefully these societal pressures will continue to shift, and all genders will feel comfortable expressing their feelings and seeking help.
How does seasonal affective disorder differ from depression?
Pumpkin spice and snow flurries are not everyone’s favorite time of year! Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that’s related to changes in seasons. It begins and ends at about the same times every year. If you’re like most people with SAD, your symptoms start in the fall and continue into the winter months, sapping your energy and making you feel moody. It is thought that shorter days and less daylight may trigger a chemical change in the brain, leading to symptoms of depression. You can talk to your physician about finding help with the symptoms of SAD.
Make an appointment with Dr. Bradley by calling 812-282-4844.
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