DEPRESSION Q & A
What is major Depression?
Major depression, also referred to as clinical depression, is a mood disorder that affects how you feel, your ability to think, and your participation in everyday activities. It’s the most common mental disorder in the US.
It’s normal to have down days every now and again, but if you’ve been feeling down for more than two weeks, it may be something more serious.
What are the Symptoms of Major Depression ?
Symptoms of depression include:
Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism
Persistent sadness or down mood
Guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
Loss of interest in activities
Fatigue or inability to sleep
Weight loss or weight gain
Irritability or difficulty concentrating
Symptoms vary from person to person. Dr. Erickson diagnoses major depression if you’re experiencing three or more of these symptoms and experiencing an overall low mood. However, even if you don’t indicate major depression, Dr. Erickson can help you.If you’re having thoughts of suicide, call 911 or the suicide hotline immediately.
Are there other of Depression?
While major depression is the most common form of depression, other types can cause slightly different symptoms and may develop under specific circumstances. These can include:
Postpartum depression: Full-blown major depression that occurs during or after pregnancy
Dysthymia: A depressed mood that lasts two or more years
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD): Feelings of sadness and depression during the winter months
Psychotic depression: Depression with psychosis such as hallucinations or delusions
Bipolar disorder: Major depression with episodes of euphoric moods, also referred to as mania
Managing mental health issues that appear in people with autism may lessen symptoms and improve quality of life.
What are the treatment options for Depression?
Dr. Erickson treats depression with a combination of psychotherapy, medication, and alternative therapies. No matter where you are in your depression, Dr. Erickson can help. Getting treatment early means feeling better sooner.
Dr. Erickson strongly believes it’s important to engage both your mind and body when working to improve mental health. In addition to her treatment recommendations, she also encourages you to make healthy food choices, exercise regularly, and interact with other people.
For those who prefer a more natural approach to therapy, Dr. Erickson also offers MethylPro® supplements to help stabilize your mood or Nordic Naturals® brand of omega-3 fatty acid supplements to lessen depression.
If traditional therapeutic measures don’t help your battle against depression, Dr. Erickson may recommend brain stimulation therapy such as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), vagus nerve stimulation, or repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS).
If you’ve been experiencing a low mood for more than two weeks, Call the office
