Everyone feels down or sad at times. Clinical depression is not just “feeling blue”. It is a chronic or episodic condition with a set of symptoms that include feeling sad for days at a time, loss of interest or pleasure, and sleep and appetite changes. Often times there will be feelings of hopelessness, helplessness or worthlessness. Symptoms may get to the point where it is difficult to performs daily tasks or activities of daily living. Clinical depression can cause problems with work or school performance and relationship problems.

If you are experiencing or have experienced 5 or more of the following symptoms over a 2-week period, you may have Clinical Depression:

Genetics (family history), biology (health, physical condition, substance use history, trauma), stressors (work, family problems, financial difficulties).

The most effective treatments for depression include medication management (antidepressants, sleep aids), psychotherapy (cognitive behavioral therapy), and lifestyle management (adequate sleep, healthy eating, regular exercise, maintaining good physical health, avoiding substances). Supplements may also be helpful. 

Our providers are experts at identifying and diagnosing depression. Make an appointment today for an evaluation and treatment plan that may include prescription medication, psychotherapy, lifestyle recommendations or all of the above.