Depression

When Should I Seek Treatment For Depression?

Depression becomes an illness, or clinical depression, when two or more of the feelings described below are severe, last for several weeks, and begin to interfere with your work and social life. Depressive illness can change the way you think and behave, and how your body functions.

Do you suffer from two or more of these symptoms? 

• feeling worthless, helpless or hopeless,
• sleeping more or less than usual,
• eating more or less than usual.

• having difficulty concentrating or making decisions,
• loss of interest in taking part in activities,
• decreased sex drive,
• avoiding other people.

• overwhelming feelings of sadness or grief,
• feeling unreasonably guilty,
• loss of energy, feeling very tired,
• thoughts of death or suicide.

If you have experienced two or more of these symptoms please call us for help. (301) 984-9791

What Causes Depression?

There is no single cause of depression. The following factors may make some people more prone than others to react to a loss or failure with a clinical depression:

• specific, distressing life events such as the loss of a loved one or an ideal,
• a biochemical imbalance in the brain,
• psychological factors, like a negative or pessimistic view of life.

There may also be a genetic link since people with a family history of depression are more likely to experience it.

The depressed feelings we all experience after a serious loss or disappointment may last for a short or a long period of time. How long depends on the person, the severity of the loss, and the support available to help the person to cope with it.

Clinical depression may also last for short or long time periods. It rarely becomes permanent unless prior episodes are inadequately treated. Without professional treatment, clinical depression may end naturally after several weeks or months. With treatment, it may end much more quickly, and prevent increased frequency and severity of future episodes.

Is Depression Related to Bipolar Disorder?

Symptoms of depression are also present in bi-polar disorder, which is characterized by mood swings that include depressed moods.  A key feature of bipolar disorder includes experiencing periods of mania or hypomania, which occur before or after a depressive episode. Manic or hypomanic episodes can include feelings of elation or euphoria, racing thoughts, and abrasive, aggressive, or impulsive behavior in addition to feeling depressed. Further information on bipolar disorder can be found elsewhere on our website at the links below:
For Adult Bipolar Disorder, visit http://www.potomacpsychiatry.com/bipolar-disorder-treatment-maryland.html
For Bipolar Disorder in Children and Adolescents, visit http://www.potomacpsychiatry.com/bipolar-disorder-children.html

At Potomac Psychiatry our psychiatrists and therapists specialize in treating depression. Call us at 301.984.9791 to discuss your needs or to schedule an appointment.