If you have been feeling sad, empty, or worn down for a while, and it is starting to affect your work, your relationships, or your ability to enjoy the things you used to love, you are not alone, and you do not have to push through it by yourself. At Westbroek Family Medicine, we won't rush you through or treat you like just another appointment. We will take the time to listen, and to help you figure out the next step together.
If you are thinking about harming yourself, or you feel you are in immediate danger, call or text 988 (the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), or call 911. Help is available 24 hours a day.
Depression Is a Medical Condition
Mayo Clinic describes depression as a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest, also called major depressive disorder or clinical depression, that affects how you feel, think, and behave and can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems.
Common Symptoms
Symptoms are different for everyone, and some may be a sign of another medical condition. Depression may include:
- A persistent sad, empty, or hopeless mood
- Loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy
- Changes in sleep, appetite, or energy
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
- Withdrawing from family and friends
- Physical complaints, such as aches or fatigue, without a clear cause
Mayo Clinic notes that symptoms may be different or less obvious in older adults, and that younger children may show signs such as irritability or clinginess, which is one reason it is worth bringing up changes you notice in a loved one.
Treatment Options
Effective treatments for depression exist, and you have options to see what works best for you. Your care plan may include:
- Talk therapy: Meeting with a counselor or therapist to work through thoughts, feelings, and coping skills
- Medication: Mayo Clinic notes that medications such as antidepressants can be helpful in easing depressive symptoms. It can take time to find the right medication and dose, so follow-up matters, and medication should not be stopped suddenly without talking to your provider
- Lifestyle support: Regular movement, a consistent sleep routine, time outdoors, and staying connected with people you trust can support other treatment
- Treating related conditions: Sleep problems, chronic pain, thyroid problems, and other medical issues can affect mood, so they are worth addressing too
What Your Family Doctor Can Do
Your family doctor is often a good first stop. We can talk through what you are experiencing, review your health history and current medications, check for other medical conditions that may be contributing, and recommend a treatment plan that fits your life. If you would benefit from a therapist or psychiatrist, we can help connect you, and we will keep checking in with you over time, so your plan changes as your needs change.
When to Seek Care
Reach out if sadness or loss of interest has lasted more than a couple of weeks, if it is interfering with daily life, or if you are relying on alcohol or other substances to cope with. If you have thoughts of harming yourself, or feel you cannot stay safe, call or text 988, or call 911, right away.
The Care You Need. The Compassion You Deserve.
You deserve compassionate, judgment-free care and the chance to feel more like yourself again. Westbroek Family Medicine is here for the whole family, with two convenient locations in Brigham City & Ogden, UT. Schedule your appointment today.
Schedule an Appointment
Call our Brigham City office at 435-515-3681 or our Ogden office at 801-515-7997, or request an appointment online. New patients are welcome at both Utah locations.
This article is intended for general informational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.