Some people say that depression feels like a black curtain of despair coming down over their lives.  Many people feel like they have no energy and cannot concentrate.  Others feel irritable all the time for no apparent reason.  The symptoms vary from person to person, but if you feel "down" for more than two weeks, and these feelings are interfering with your daily life, you may be clinically depressed.

 

More than 14 million Americans experience depression in any given year.  Despite these statistics, depression is not a normal part of life, regardless of your age, sex, or health status.  Most people with depression never seek help, even though the majority will respond to treatment.  Working with providers at France Avenue Family Physicians you can learn to manage depression.  This could include the use of antidepressants, therapy, or just lifestyle changes.  Your provider can work with you to decide which treatment is best.  Change will not happen overnight.  But, with the right treatment you can keep depression from overshadowing your life.

 

Common symptoms:

• Constant sadness, irritability, or tension

• Less interest or pleasure in usual activities or hobbies

• Low energy, feeling tired without activity

• A change in appetitie with significant weight change

• A change in sleeping habits, including difficulty sleeping or falling asleep, early morning awakening, sleeping too much, or having difficulty getting out of bed

• Restlessness or feeling slowed down

• Trouble making decisions or concentrating

• Feeling worthless, hopeless, or guilty

• Thoughts of suicide or death

 

If you have one or more of these symptoms, you should talk with your provider.  Since there are varying levels of depression, your provider will base your treatment and follow-up visits on your individual situation.