While there is no single cause of depression, as it can vary for different people, and depression has many different triggers, some could be an upsetting, unsettling, or stressful life event including divorce, illness, bereavement, redundancy, job, or even money worries.

Different causes will often combine together to trigger depression. People often mention the term “downward spiral” of events that leads to depression. For example: if you are in a relationship and it breaks down, you may begin to feel quite low, you may begin to stop seeing your family and friends as often, or pick up the habit of drinking alcohol more often. All of these are triggers that will make you feel worse, and cause depression.

Some studies also suggest that the older you get, the more likely you are to become depressed, as it is more common in people who live in difficult economic and social circumstances.

The term “depression” is often described as having many different feelings. People will often feel sad, or down when bad things occur. But those everyday “blues” or bouts of sadness are not depressive disorders. While we all may experience some symptoms of depression, in short, a major depressive disorder can last anywhere from two weeks on and will affect a person’s ability to work, carry out any usual daily activities, and have a satisfying personal relationship with others.

If you are noticing these symptoms of depression, it is best to speak to a healthcare professional about them:

• Unusual sad mood
• Loss of enjoyment or interest in things you used to find enjoyable
• Lack of energy
• Often tired
• Feeling worthless or guilty even though you aren’t at fault
• Often thinking of death or wishing to be dead
• Issues concentrating or making decisions
• Moving slowly or becoming agitated and unable to settle down
• Having issues sleeping or sleeping too often
• Loss of interest in eating or food. Changes in eating habits can lead to weight loss or weight gain.

It has been stated that as we get older, we start to notice that many more individuals become clinically depressed, and need help.

To become diagnosed with clinical depression, you will need to speak to a healthcare provider and complete the following:

• Physical exam
• Lab tests
• Psychiatric evaluation
• DSM-5

All of which will help narrow down the type of depression you have. Different symptoms are caused by major depression and will vary from one patient to another. Our doctors will want to specify which depression type you have with specific features, which are:

• Anxious distress
• Mixed feelings
• Melancholic features
• Atypical features
• Psychotic features
• Catatonia
• Peripartum onset
• Seasonal pattern

Treatment for depression may include medications or psychotherapy which both are effective for many patients with depression. Your primary care physician or psychiatrist may prescribe medications to help relieve you of any symptoms associated with depression. However, many patients with depression will also benefit from seeing a psychiatrist, psychologist, or another mental health professional, as it helps to speak to someone about how you are feeling who better understands your condition.

If you have severe depression, you may need to stay at a hospital, or you may need to participate in what is known as an outpatient program for treatment until your symptoms begin to improve.

If you believe you may be suffering from depression, and you are showcasing signs of depression, contact our clinic Psychiatry Unplugged today or schedule an appointment to speak to one of our healthcare professionals about diagnosis and treatment.

To learn more about Ketamine Treatment for Depression. Contact us or schedule an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 6801 Park Terrace, Suite 530B Los Angeles CA 90045. We serve patients from Los Angeles CA, Beverly Hills CA, Santa Monica CA, Encino CA, Pacific Palisades CA, and surrounding areas.