Depression is among the top causes of disability in the United States, accounting for about 500 million disability days from work each year in the US. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it’s the most prevalent mental health condition, with over 18 million adults affected in any given year, just among those polled. Someone dies by suicide every 12 minutes in the US, totaling over 40,000 people annually. The WHO has identified that internationally depression affects over 300,000,000 people.
Hallmarks of depression include inability to focus, feelings of hopelessness or sadness, decreased interest in activities that were once enjoyed, unexplained feelings of guilt, and feelings of worthlessness. Symptoms such as difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much, changes in appetite leading to significant and unintentional changes in body weight, feeling very slowed down, or irritability may also be noticeable. Depression can be experienced as emotional, physical, or both. At the onset of treatment you will work closely with your doctor to determine if you will take medication, attend psychotherapy, or both. A comprehensive psychiatric evaluation can help determine the plan.
Regardless of the type of treatment that is most appropriate for you, it’s not uncommon to wonder about the significance of your depression. For some people, emotional depression can be thought of as a regrouping period. It may well be a time of serious introspection. Your approach to life has worked up to a certain point and now you’re preparing to engage differently. Professional help can shed light on matters with which you’ve been struggling and offer much-needed direction. Ascher Medical Groups welcomes your questions.
