Depression
What is it?
Depression is a mood disorder that includes intense feelings of sadness and losing interest in things you enjoy. Depression can last for a short time or a long time and therefore shouldn’t be taken lightly. Depression affects how you feel, think, and behave and can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems. The great thing about depression is that it is treatable! Please contact a physician if you or anyone you know is experiencing depression.
What causes it?
The causes for depression are different among various people. Some causes of depression can be from a mix of genetics, biological, environmental, and psychological factors. Other common causes are trauma, loss of a loved one, relationship problems, stressful situations, and alcohol or other substance abuse. Depression can also be caused from other illnesses such as heart disease, cancer, HIV/AIDS, diabetes and others.
Signs and Symptoms:
There are lots of signs and symptoms that can alert that you or a loved one might be experiencing depression.
· Persistent sadness and feeling of “emptiness”
· Feelings of anxiousness, hopelessness, guilt, worthlessness and helplessness
· Become very irritable
· Have angry outbursts
· Losing interest in activities or hobbies that were once pleasurable
· Fatigue and decreased energy
· Difficulty concentrating
· Have a hard time remembering details and making decisions
· Insomnia, early-morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping
· Overeating or appetite loss
· Thoughts of suicide or attempts of suicide
· Aches or pains, headaches, cramps, and/or digestive problems that don’t go away even with treatment
Treatment:
It is important to seek treatment right away if you feel as if you or a loved one are experiencing the symptoms stated above. The sooner the treatment, the more effective the treatment can be. It is important to meet and discuss with a doctor the symptoms you are experiencing. Usually doctors will take a physical exam, conduct lab tests, and may even conduct a psychological evaluation. It is common for depression to be treated with antidepressants or therapy.
How to help yourself and/or a loved one:
It is important to be able to help yourself or a loved one while experiencing depression and that nobody goes through depression alone. Talk to friends and family, let people help and be there for you. One of the best things you can do is offer emotional support, be understanding, have patience and show encouragement. Invite the person to walks, outings and other activities to get them out of the house and to show them that they are cared and loved for. Provide assistance in getting to doctor appointments and remind them that with time and treatment the depression will lift!
To help yourself it is important to be active and exercise, break up large tasks into smaller ones, set priorities, and spend time with other people. It is important to EXPECT your mood to improve gradually and get educated about depression. One should also postpone making important decisions, remember positive thinking will replace negative thoughts, stick to the treatment plan, avoid alcohol and drugs, and get good sleep. To wrap it all up, one should simplify their life, write in a journal, locate helpful organizations, avoid isolation, take care of their selves, learn ways to relax and manage stress, and structure their time.
If you have any questions or are seeking a consultation don’t hesitate to contact us today!
Dr. Roy Ostenson & Dr. Khristi Otto
Appleton Chiropractic
2425 W. Wisconsin Ave
Appleton, WI 54914
(920) 731-0715
References:
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression/index.shtml
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/basics/definition/con-20032977
What is it?
Depression is a mood disorder that includes intense feelings of sadness and losing interest in things you enjoy. Depression can last for a short time or a long time and therefore shouldn’t be taken lightly. Depression affects how you feel, think, and behave and can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems. The great thing about depression is that it is treatable! Please contact a physician if you or anyone you know is experiencing depression.
What causes it?
The causes for depression are different among various people. Some causes of depression can be from a mix of genetics, biological, environmental, and psychological factors. Other common causes are trauma, loss of a loved one, relationship problems, stressful situations, and alcohol or other substance abuse. Depression can also be caused from other illnesses such as heart disease, cancer, HIV/AIDS, diabetes and others.
Signs and Symptoms:
There are lots of signs and symptoms that can alert that you or a loved one might be experiencing depression.
· Persistent sadness and feeling of “emptiness”
· Feelings of anxiousness, hopelessness, guilt, worthlessness and helplessness
· Become very irritable
· Have angry outbursts
· Losing interest in activities or hobbies that were once pleasurable
· Fatigue and decreased energy
· Difficulty concentrating
· Have a hard time remembering details and making decisions
· Insomnia, early-morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping
· Overeating or appetite loss
· Thoughts of suicide or attempts of suicide
· Aches or pains, headaches, cramps, and/or digestive problems that don’t go away even with treatment
Treatment:
It is important to seek treatment right away if you feel as if you or a loved one are experiencing the symptoms stated above. The sooner the treatment, the more effective the treatment can be. It is important to meet and discuss with a doctor the symptoms you are experiencing. Usually doctors will take a physical exam, conduct lab tests, and may even conduct a psychological evaluation. It is common for depression to be treated with antidepressants or therapy.
How to help yourself and/or a loved one:
It is important to be able to help yourself or a loved one while experiencing depression and that nobody goes through depression alone. Talk to friends and family, let people help and be there for you. One of the best things you can do is offer emotional support, be understanding, have patience and show encouragement. Invite the person to walks, outings and other activities to get them out of the house and to show them that they are cared and loved for. Provide assistance in getting to doctor appointments and remind them that with time and treatment the depression will lift!
To help yourself it is important to be active and exercise, break up large tasks into smaller ones, set priorities, and spend time with other people. It is important to EXPECT your mood to improve gradually and get educated about depression. One should also postpone making important decisions, remember positive thinking will replace negative thoughts, stick to the treatment plan, avoid alcohol and drugs, and get good sleep. To wrap it all up, one should simplify their life, write in a journal, locate helpful organizations, avoid isolation, take care of their selves, learn ways to relax and manage stress, and structure their time.
If you have any questions or are seeking a consultation don’t hesitate to contact us today!
Dr. Roy Ostenson & Dr. Khristi Otto
Appleton Chiropractic
2425 W. Wisconsin Ave
Appleton, WI 54914
(920) 731-0715
References:
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression/index.shtml
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/basics/definition/con-20032977
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