Depression
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Med South Primary Care
Board Certified Internal Medicine Physician, and Physician Assistant located in Stockbridge, GA
Depression is more than just feeling sad. It’s a major mood disorder that can affect your sense of self-worth, motivation to complete tasks, and your ability to find enjoyment in activities you once loved. At Med South Primary Care in Stockbridge, Georgia, board-certified primary care physician Ira C. Robinson II, MD, and his team use evidence-based methods to diagnose and treat depression. Dr. Robinson offers compassionate, patient-centered care to determine the root cause of your depression. Call Med South Primary Care or book an appointment online today to learn more.
Depression Q&A
What is depression?
Depression is a mental health disorder that can affect the way you think, feel, and act. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, it can range from a simple, temporary bout with the blues to a severe and ongoing mental disease like bipolar disorder.
Depression is the world's most common cause of disability, as stated by the World Health Organization. It can lead to debilitating sadness and loss of interest, which affects your ability to complete daily tasks, perform at work, and form connections with others.
A depressive episode can last for months, even years, without the right care and treatment.
What are the signs of depression?
Everybody experiences depression differently, so it’s important to watch out for some of the most common warning signs:
- Overwhelming sadness
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Loss of motivation or interest
- Muscle aches
- Sudden weight gain or loss
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Brain fog
- Irritability
- Angry outbursts
- Headaches
- Fatigue
Depression symptoms can range from mild to severe. Without treatment, you could even become suicidal.
What causes depression?
There’s no one cause of depression. Several things can trigger a depressive episode, like a catastrophic event, hormone imbalance, brain chemistry, and certain genetic traits.
Experts believe you’re more likely to suffer depression if somebody in your family has also experienced it. Certain things can, however, raise your risk of a depressive episode, including:
- Low self-esteem
- Being a woman
- Alcohol or drug abuse
- History of mental health problems
- Chronic illness
- Stress
- Traumatic events
Some medications also play a role in the development of depression. Certain blood pressure medications and sleeping pills can increase your chances of a depressive episode. Talk to the Med South Primary Care team before switching or trying any new medications.
How do doctors diagnose depression?
Recognizing the early warning signs of depression allows you to seek treatment before your symptoms get worse. At Med South Primary Care, your provider takes the time to get to know you and your situation before making a treatment recommendation.
Before you receive treatment, the team will conduct a physical exam and order lab tests to rule out any underlying conditions.
Mental health professionals provide psychiatric evaluations and diagnose depression based on the American Psychiatric Association’s criteria for depression found in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).
How do doctors treat depression?
Psychotherapy and speaking with a mental health professional can help you uncover the root cause of your depression.
The Med South Primary Care team can also help find the right medication to stabilize your mood. There are many different types of antidepressants and other therapies that can improve your mood and relieve the symptoms of depression.
The team values their time with their patients. That’s why Med South Primary Care providers always work with you and provide education on any prescribed medications. Once you start a medication for depression, they monitor you closely to make sure you’re responding well.
For patient-centered depression care in a warm, welcoming environment, call Med South Primary Care today, or book an appointment online.
