Depression is a common mental health disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. Contrary to the common perception, depression is not the same thing with being unhappy or feeling blue. In the medical community, depression has been considered as one of the most complex mental health disorder. This is primarily because depression can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetic predisposition, life events, and chemical imbalances in the brain.

This condition also involves a range of symptoms which include but not limited to sadness, loss of interest in activities, and difficulty sleeping or eating. People suffering from major depressive disorder impacts not only the emotional well-being of the person, but s/he lives their lives.

This is why it is important to seek professional help if you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of depression. Serin Center is a highly reputable neurohealth center in Peoria and Scottsdale, AZ, providing diagnosis and advanced treatment plans that can help people deal with this condition.

Major Depressive Disorder Symptoms

Symptoms of depression can vary from person to person, but some of the most common signs include:

• Having trouble sleeping or suffering from insomia
• Frequent of recurring suicidal thoughts and of death
• Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and worthlessness
• Unexplained physical problems, such as back pain or headaches
• Having troubles concentrating, thinking, focusing, and remembering things
• Getting easily tired and lack of energy that even small tasks take extra effort
• Episode of angry outbursts, irritability or frustration, even on smallest things
• Unhealthy food cravings and eating habits, such as drastic weight gain or weight loss
• Loss of interest in most activities or even usual routines such as sex, hobbies or sports

There are several different types of depression, including major depression, persistent depressive disorder, and seasonal affective disorder. Major depression is characterized by intense and persistent symptoms that interfere with daily life. Persistent depressive disorder, on the other hand, involves less severe symptoms that last for at least two years. Seasonal affective disorder is a type of depression that typically occurs during the winter months when there is less daylight.

Treatment Plan and Therapy for Depression 

Treatment for depression may involve a combination of medication and therapy. Some of the available treatment plans are:

1. Antidepressants - which can help regulate the levels of certain chemicals in the brain that contribute to depression.
2. Psychotherapy - such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for major depressive disorder, can help individuals learn coping skills and strategies for managing symptoms.
3. Lifestyle changes - like doing regular exercise, healthy eating, and good sleep hygiene, can also be effective in treating depression.
4. Hospital & residential treatment - this provides patients with psychiatric treatment while they are admitted in a facility. This program might be necessary for people who have severe depression as they require more intensive attention and care.

Depression is Treatable

It's important to remember that depression is a treatable condition, and seeking help is a sign of strength. If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of depression, reach out to a healthcare provider or mental health professional for support.

Sources:

• National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Major Depression. 
• Soleimani, L., Lapidus, K. A. B., & Iosifescu, D. V. (2011). Diagnosis and treatment of major depressive disorder. Neurologic Clinics, 29(1), 177-193. Doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ncl.2010.10.010
• Linden, D. E. J. (2014). Neurofeedback and networks of depression. Dialogues in clinical neuroscience, 16(1), 103-12.
• Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2022, October 14). Depression (major depressive disorder). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/symptoms-causes/syc-20356007
• Dodd, M. (2023) 9 depression symptoms to look out for, Healthline. Available at: https://www.healthline.com/health/depression/recognizing-symptoms.