Depression

What is depression?

Depression is a condition that affects your mental health, characterized by extreme or ongoing sadness. While a common problem, depression can become crippling, even dangerous, for some individuals when left untreated. See the experts at Hampstead Therapy and Wellness if you struggle to combat depressive symptoms that don’t resolve on their own.

Which symptoms can depression cause?

Depression can cause the following symptoms:

• Feeling hopeless or worthless
• Constant sadness, which is often severe
• Tearfulness
• Emptiness 
• Agitation 
• Restlessness
• Fatigue 
• Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
• Loss of interest in once-favorite activities
• Weight loss or gain
• Anxiety
• Irritability
• Social isolation
• Lack of motivation
• Suicidal thoughts or attempts

It’s important to seek help as soon as possible for depression, as doing so can restore hope, happiness, and your quality of life. 

What are the risk factors for developing depression?

The cause of depression isn’t always clear, but it could stem from one or more of the following risk factors:

• Loss of a loved one
• Job loss
• Divorce
• Family history of depression
• Grief
• Brain chemistry changes
• Lack of a strong social support network
• Loneliness
• Ongoing stress
• Trauma
• Certain personality traits
• Drug misuse
• Chronic medical conditions
• Some medications

Your risk of developing depression may be higher if you have anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or another mental health concern.

How is depression diagnosed?

Diagnosing depression at Hampstead Therapy and Wellness includes a discussion about your symptoms, medical history, lifestyle, thoughts, behaviors, and emotions during a psychiatric evaluation. Your mental health specialist can complete your evaluation in the Hampstead Therapy and Wellness office or via telehealth from the comfort of your home. 

How is depression treated?

Treating depression depends on its cause and severity, but the Hampstead Therapy and Wellness specialists offer counseling, lifestyle education, and medication management to help you overcome the challenges of depression in a safe, healthy, and effective way.

It’s also helpful to minimize stress, exercise regularly, eat nutritious foods, get enough sleep, maintain a strong social support network, and get treated for a substance use disorder if you have one.

The Hampstead Therapy and Wellness experts follow up throughout your journey toward optimal mental health and make adjustments to your treatment plan whenever necessary to ensure lasting success. 

Schedule an in-person or telehealth evaluation for depression at Hampstead Therapy and Wellness by calling the office or using the online booking feature today.