What is depression?
Major depressive disorder, commonly called depression, is a mood disorder that causes severe symptoms that affect how you think, feel, and function in day-to-day life.
Symptoms of depression often disrupt your normal routine, including going to work or school and maintaining personal relationships.
What are the symptoms of depression?
When you have depression, you experience the following symptoms for most of the day, nearly every day, for two weeks or more:
- Feelings of sadness or hopelessness
- Loss of interest in pleasurable activities
- Sleep disturbances, including insomnia
- Irritability or anger outbursts
- Trouble concentrating or remembering
- Slowed thinking, speaking, or movement
- Unexplained physical issues, such as headaches
- Anxiety or restlessness
- Changes in appetite
- Lack of energy
- Suicidal thoughts or attempts
The worst symptoms of depression can make you feel like life isn’t worth living, but it’s important to know that help is available whenever you need it. If you think you may hurt yourself, call Dr. Jacobs or 911 right away. You can also call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK.
What are risk factors for depression?
Depression usually begins in your late teens or early adulthood, but it can happen at any age. Certain factors may increase your risk of depression, such as:
- Drug or alcohol abuse
- Traumatic or stressful events
- Medical conditions, like chronic pain
Having a personal or family history of depression and other mental health disorders, including bipolar and anxiety disorders or addiction, may also increase your risk.
How is depression treated?
Depression can make normal activities like going to the doctor’s office for a mental health appointment seem overwhelming. To make your treatment as easy and accessible as possible, Dr. Jacobs primarily works with you via telemedicine. He communicates with you confidentially through a secure platform.
During your appointment, Dr. Jacobs evaluates your mental health. Then, he creates a personalized treatment plan that may include medication management, talk therapy, or both. He continues to work with you through telemedicine and follows up on an as-needed basis.
If you’re among the millions of people struggling with depression, call Jacobi Care or request an appointment online today for compassionate care in the comfort of your own home.
