Depression

When low mood, feelings of shame or worthlessness, or overwhelming sadness makes it impossible to function normally, you may be dealing with clinical depression. Depression is a common mental health condition with potentially serious impacts on your life. Reach out to Claudia Porter, APRN, PMHNP-BC, at Porter Elite Care Services of Stuart, Florida, if you think you have depression. Claudia provides diagnosis, treatment, and support for this mental health condition. Call today to schedule your appointment, or request an appointment online.

How common is depression?

Depression is a relatively common mental health struggle. In 2020, about 21 million adults in the United States dealt with at least one major depressive episode.

Depression can affect people of all ages, races, and genders, although factors including life experiences, brain chemistry, and genetics can make you more predisposed toward developing it.

What are symptoms of depression?

Symptoms of depression vary. But common symptoms include:

• Low energy
• Loss of interest in daily activities
• Changes in sleep, such as either over- or under-sleeping
• Changes in appetite
• Physical pain or body aches
• Brain fog
• Hopeless or guilty thoughts
• Suicidal thoughts

If you suspect your symptoms could indicate depression, contact Porter Elite Care Services for evaluation and diagnosis. If you have suicidal thoughts, make sure you have a safety plan in place to protect yourself, such as contacting the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

Depression is a serious condition that can impact your life and health negatively without the right diagnosis and response.

Are there different types of depression?

For some people, depressive disorder affects daily life in episodes lasting two weeks or longer. For others, depression is a chronic condition, known as major depressive disorder.

Depression can also have a seasonal component. Some people experience worsened depression symptoms in winter months due to decreased daylight. That condition is called “seasonal affective disorder” (SAD).

Depression can also be related to life events or traumas, past or present.

Can depression be treated?

Depression often responds well to treatment. Claudia Porter, APRN and the team at Porter Elite Care Services offer multiple treatments for depression.

Counseling and psychotherapy

Talk therapy approaches, including interpersonal therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), can effectively address and relieve depression.

Medication management

Several types of medications are prescribed for depression. You might benefit from medication management with mood stabilizers, antidepressants, or antipsychotic medications.

Lifestyle changes and alternative approaches

Your mild-to-moderate symptoms of depression may improve with lifestyle changes and alternative approaches like exercise, meditation, nutrition, and light therapy. Brain stimulation therapies for severe depression may also benefit you.

If you think you could have depression, contact Claudia at Porter Elite Care Services for evaluation, diagnosis, and your customized and patient-centered treatment plan. Schedule your first appointment by calling Porter Elite Care Services now, or request an appointment online.

Your mild-to-moderate symptoms of depression may improve with lifestyle changes and alternative approaches like exercise, meditation, nutrition, and light therapy. Brain stimulation therapies for severe depression may also benefit you.

If you think you could have depression, contact Claudia at Porter Elite Care Services for evaluation, diagnosis, and your customized and patient-centered treatment plan. Schedule your first appointment by calling Porter Elite Care Services now, or request an appointment online.