Depression

Depression may affect more than 18% of adults in the United States. At Amazing Behavioral Health Services, LLC, in Parkville and Catonsville, Maryland, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and doctor of nursing Catherine Nwah, PMHNP-BC, DNP, and the team can help you overcome problematic depression symptoms and live your best life. Schedule an in-person or telehealth evaluation at Amazing Behavioral Health Services, LLC, by phone, or request one online today.

What is depression?

Depression is a condition that affects your moods, thoughts, behaviors, and mental health. It’s characterized by extreme or ongoing sadness. While some forms of depression are situational and temporary, others last long-term when not treated. See the Amazing Behavioral Health Services, LLC, team at the first sign of depression symptoms. 

Which symptoms can depression cause?

Depression can lead to:

• Extreme or constant sad feelings
• Feeling hopeless, helpless, or worthless
• Guilt or shame
• Loss of interest in favorite activities
• Social withdrawal
• Irritability
• Mood swings
• Anxiety
• Thoughts of suicide
• Problems concentrating
• Difficulty sleeping
• Weight loss or weight gain
• Changes in appetite
• Substance misuse

You may also experience physical aches and pains and problems at school, work, or in your personal life. 

What can cause depression?

Causes and risk factors for depression include:

• Brain chemical changes
• Hormone fluctuations
• Low self-esteem
• Lack of a strong social support network
• Substance misuse
• Other mental health disorders 
• Family history of depression
• Divorce or breakup
• Job loss 
• Financial challenges
• Death in the family
• Stress
• Childhood neglect 
• Traumatic experiences
• Physical health problems

You might not have any particular reason to be depressed, but still feel sad. Adopting healthy lifestyle habits could reduce your risk of depression, but you can’t necessarily prevent it if you’re prone to this condition. 

How does a specialist diagnose depression?

The Amazing Behavioral Health Services, LLC, team diagnoses depression after completing an in-person or telehealth psychiatric evaluation. During the assessment, they ask about your moods, emotions, behaviors, medical history, medications, and lifestyle habits to properly diagnose your condition and develop an effective solution. 

How is depression treated?

Amazing Behavioral Health Services, LLC, provides medication management, healthy lifestyle counseling, and psychotherapy to treat depression. The skilled therapists offer cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy, and other highly effective therapies to help you overcome extreme sadness. They help you manage your medications to boost your mood.

It’s also vital to minimize stress, get plenty of sleep, exercise regularly, eat nutritious foods, and have a strong social support network in place.

Schedule an in-person or telehealth evaluation at Amazing Behavioral Health Services, LLC, by phone, or request one online today.