Seeking Help for Depression is Completely Normal

Talk therapy, medication, and various alternative treatments have helped thousands cope better with their depression and allow them to lead happier, more productive lives. Our caring doctors at Family Medicine and Acute Care of Sandhills in Cameron, North Carolina are here to provide help to anyone in need.

Are you depressed?

While it's normal to feel sad over loss or other life struggles, if your dark mood persists for long periods of time, you need to seek professional help. Our compassionate team evaluates you for depression and, if the diagnosis is made, helps manage your symptoms. These may include: 

• Poor concentration over an extended period of time
• Irritability and restlessness
• Fatigue
• Feeling guilty, hopeless, and/or helpless
• Insomnia or sleeping too much
• Loss of interest in pleasurable things, including sex
• Overeating or continual loss of appetite
• Suicidal thoughts or attempts

Depression is usually caused by a complex combination of biological, psychological, and social factors. It can also be a result of certain chemical imbalances in the brain or from inherited genetic traits.

 Common risk factors include:

• Feelings of loneliness and isolation
• Recent stressful experiences
• Chronic pain or health issues
• Family history of depression
• Financial hardship
• Alcohol or drug abuse
• Ongoing relationship issues
• Sudden or lengthy unemployment

A variety of treatments for a multitude of symptoms

While the largest increase in depression over the past few years has occurred among men ages 45 to 64, it has risen among midlife women and teens, as well. Our providers offer a variety of therapeutic tools, such as talk therapy and medications, to help you cope with your depression at any age.

Medications help treat mental disorders by correcting alterations in brain chemistry that can cause mental disorders. The type of medication prescribed depends upon your specific psychiatric condition and may include one or more of the following: 

• Antidepressants
• Antipsychotics
• Sedatives
• Mood stabilizers
• Stimulants

The link between physical and mental health

When depression goes untreated, it can increase the risk of heart attacks, stroke, respiratory illness, dementia, and other diseases, especially among older people. Our doctors understand how your mental state can influence your overall health and consider each patient’s psychological wellbeing when treating physical symptoms, and vice versa. They also realize that when a person is physically ill, depression can make recovery that much more difficult.

When to seek help

If your depression coincides with changes in sleep, appetite, motivation, and concentration, as well as sending you into a downward mood spiral that lasts longer than a couple of weeks, talk to your doctor.

Don’t just live with your mental struggles and sadness. Give us a call at 919-295-6862 to schedule a confidential appointment with one of our caring specialists at Family Medicine and Acute Care of Sandhills in Cameron, North Carolina today.