Patients living in the fog of depression are often desperate for a way out. San Marcos Family Medicine in San Marcos, Texas, has a team of compassionate Central Texas physicians ready to help. This very real mental concern has effective treatments with the support of the right medical team, and that team is at San Marcos Family Medicine.
"I always feel I’ve been taken care of very well by my provider, Erin Burge. I leave informed, questions answered and know I am in good hands. She goes above and beyond to take care of me."
Depression Q & A
What is depression?
Depression is a medical illness that causes changes in mood, thought, and behavior. This goes beyond simply feeling down on occasion. Patients with depression may experience:
- Intensely negative moods
- Feeling down for 2 or more weeks
- Bad mood or emotions that interfere with the enjoyment of daily life
Patients dealing with these problems need to know that help is available. Depression is treatable with the right medical care.
What causes depression?
Depression comes from the brain. The simplest explanation is that it occurs due to chemical imbalances in the brain, but that’s a bit too simplistic. Some possible causes include:
- Faulty mood regulation in the brain
- Genetics
- Stressful life events that trigger the response
- Medical problems
- Medications
When these factors are present, the chemicals in the brain, both inside and outside nerve cells, get out of balance, and depression occurs.
How is depression treated?
Depression’s a complicated illness, and it affects each patient differently. The million of chemical reactions necessary to create mood all impact a patient’s depression. To treat the condition, doctors use medications that seek to balance these chemicals, but because of the complex causes, the treatment looks different for each individual. In addition to medication, patients with depression should receive professional counseling. San Marcos Family Medicine can provide help through medications and referrals to qualified counselors.
Does depression affect children?
Yes, depression can affect children and adolescents. Parents who think their child may have depression should get advice from a pediatric specialist. The doctors at San Marcos Family Medicine include family practice physicians and nurse practitioners, and they’re well versed in screening and treating children suffering from depression.
What are the symptoms of depression?
Patients who think they may have depression can find a number of screening tools online or at San Marcos Family Medicine. Some of the signs and symptoms to watch for include:
- Concentration problems
- Fatigue
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
- Feelings of pessimism or hopelessness
- Insomnia
- Irritability
- Lack of interest in activities once enjoyed
- Lack of libido
- Overeating
- Appetite loss
- Persistent pain or headaches
- Digestive problems that aren’t responding to treatment
- Persistent feelings of anxiety or sadness
- Thoughts of suicide
Patients experiencing these symptoms need to make an appointment with San Marcos Family Medicine right away. Help is available.