Major Depressive Symptoms Treatments in Fort Lauderdale

According to the American Psychiatric Association, “Depression (major depressive disorder) is a common and serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think and how you act. Fortunately, it is also treatable. Depression causes feelings of sadness and/or a loss of interest in activities once enjoyed. It can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems and can decrease a person’s ability to function at work and at home.” We will discuss about major depressive symptoms and treatments in Fort Lauderdale.

To be diagnosed with depression, the symptoms must last at least two weeks. There are many symptoms of depression and they vary from mild to severe. They differ from person to person too. Not everyone who is undergoing depression will necessarily experience every symptom. The severity, frequency and duration of the symptoms will also vary depending on the person. The symptoms include:

Feeling sad, anxious, or empty

Feeling hopeless or pessimistic

Feeling irritability, anger or restless more than usual

Feeling guilty, worthless, or helpless

Not enjoying doing things you used to enjoy

Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities

Trouble with concentration, memory, or making decisions

Loss of energy or increased fatigue

Sleeping too much or too little

Appetite changes

Aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems without an apparent physical cause and/or that do not ease even with treatment

Gaining or losing weight

Repeated thoughts of suicide or death.

Causes and occurrence:

​Depression can happen to anyone. It can happen during any age, but mostly occurs during adulthood. According to the American Psychiatric Association, depression affects an estimated one in 15 adults (6.7%) in any given year. And one in six people (16.6%) will experience depression at some time in their life. That is an alarming rate and it is ever increasing due to rising stress levels and the changing environment.

The major causes of depression are:

Biochemistry: Differences in certain chemicals in the brain may contribute to symptoms of depression.

Other Diseases: Depression can occur along with/as a result of other medical illnesses, such as diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and Parkinson’s disease, or the medications of illnesses.

Genetics: Depression can happen due to personal or family history of depression. For example, if one identical twin is undergoing depression, the other has a 70 percent chance of having it sometime in life.

Environmental factors: Major life changes, trauma or stress cause depression. Continuous exposure to violence, neglect, abuse or poverty may make some people more vulnerable to depression.

Personality: People with low self-esteem, who are easily overwhelmed by stress, or who are generally pessimistic appear to be more likely to experience depression.

Depression is a serious issue and needs to be treated with utmost care. It is not a matter of shame and shall not be taken lightly. The best way to deal with depression affecting you or your friends/family is to consult an expert. For getting help with major depressive symptoms treatments in Fort Lauderdale, contact Fort Lauderdale Behavioral Wellness by Robert Antoine M.D. P.A. Call on 954-533-5700 and our expert would be happy to help you.