Depression: Signs, Symptoms, and Seeking Help

Occasional feelings of sadness are normal, but if you are sad for more days than you are happy, you could have depression. Our doctor can help. Dr. Zama at Compassionate Specialty Clinic in Greenbelt, MD, provides a full range of medical and psychiatric services, including diagnosis and treatment of depression.

What You Need To Know About Depression

Depression affects people of all ages, from children to adults to seniors. Depression is a treatable condition that can be managed, so you can enjoy life again.

You may have depression if you:

• Feel sadness or are irritable most days of the week
• Avoid activities that you previously enjoyed
• Notice changes in your eating or sleeping patterns
• Feel fatigued, tense, or restless frequently
• Want to isolate and avoid interacting with others

If you notice any of the signs and symptoms listed above, you should schedule a visit with your doctor, who will begin with a physical examination to make sure you don't have an underlying medical condition causing your signs and symptoms. Your doctor may also order laboratory testing to aid in diagnosis.

Your doctor will then record any major life changes or events you are going through when your symptoms occur, and how long they last. Major life changes or events which can bring on a depressive episode include:

• Divorce or separation
• Changing or losing jobs
• Death of someone close to you
• Substance abuse, alcohol use, or addiction

Treatment Options

Depending on the cause of your depression, your doctor may recommend:

• Medication therapy to elevate mood and limit depressive feelings
• Exercise and dietary modification to boost overall wellness
• Addiction or alcohol treatment to reduce or eliminate the use of harmful substances
• Psychological or psychiatric evaluation to determine the cause and treatment of your depression