Depression is a very common and serious mental illness which affects the feelings, moods, thoughts and actions of an individual. The symptoms of depression may vary from as mild as a persistent sadness to, as acutely as suicidal thoughts.

Symptoms of depression include a decrease in a person’s ability to function properly at home and at work, a change in appetite resulting in drastic weight-gain or weight-loss, change in sleeping patterns, an increase in purposeless activities like pacing, feelings of worthlessness and difficulty in concentrating on a task and decision making. The patients of depression, often start to resent the activities they once used to love.

As per an estimate almost 16 million people in the US are affected by depression and this number is increasing at an alarming rate

Scientists have found a few risk factors that play a vital role in depression.

• Biochemistry – the presence of the neurotransmitters serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain is often linked with depression.

• Genetics – depression is an illness which can run in families.

• Personality traits – people with low self-esteem, pessimists and people who are easily overwhelmed by stress are found to be more prone to depression.

• Environmental factors and background – people who have experienced violence, neglect, emotional abuse and poverty, during childhood or youth might be more vulnerable to depression.

The good news is that depression is the most treatable of all mental disorders. More than 80% patients respond well to different medications and types of therapies for the disorder. Prescription for antidepressants combined with psychotherapy results in significant relief from most of the symptoms within the first few weeks of the start of the treatment.

Other treatments for patients with severe symptoms might include Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS).

Making lifestyle changes like developing healthy eating habits, regular physical exercise and getting enough sleep are mandatory for all sorts of treatments to become successful. Reading self-help books and joining support groups can also result in improving of symptoms.

If you are experiencing symptoms of depression, the first step is to see a physician who can rule out other diseases, like thyroid, which have similar symptoms. Talk about hour concerns freely and request a thorough evaluation of the symptoms.

For more information on depression, the symptoms and treatment, contact Restore 360, a leading mental health clinic in Philadelphia, serving the Haverford community and nearby areas. Our therapists are available to assist with diagnosis and treatment of depression. We believe it is possible to live a fulfilled life again and this is why our services are geared towards not only treating the symptoms, but also your total recovery from your mental health struggles. Sign up for your free 30-minute consultation today: this allows us to get to know you and come up with the best treatment plan for you. You can also contact us online or call (484) 373-2710 for more information.