Depression

The dark cloud of depression affects 6.7% of American adults, up to 8% of adolescents, and 3% of children. If you or a member of your family live with depression, contact Alaa Mhsen, PMHNP, at My Psych Today in Katy, Texas. Alaa offers compassionate, customized care to help you recover from depression and regain a healthy, fulfilling life. Call My Psych Today or request an appointment online.

What is depression?

Depression is a common brain disorder that causes pervasive feelings of sadness, despair, and worthlessness. It interferes with your behaviors and disrupts your ability to function at work, school, and social events. You may find that depression also gets in the way of your relationships.

Depression is different from grief or sadness. While many of the feelings are the same, depression doesn’t fade over time. Instead, it lasts for months or even years. However, grief and loss can trigger depression.

What causes depression?

A chemical imbalance in your brain causes a depression that interferes with your mood. Depression emerges on its own, or you may develop depression after a loss or another event that triggers intense sadness and other negative feelings.

Your risk of depression is higher if you have a family history of depression or another mental illness. Additionally, if you have a history of neglect, abuse, poverty, or have a generally pessimistic personality, you are more likely to develop depression.

While anyone can develop depression, the condition is more prevalent in women than men. Depression usually emerges in your late teens or early 20s, although it affects people of all ages.

What are the symptoms of depression?

In addition to pervasive feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and guilt, depression causes a variety of disruptive symptoms, including:

• Changes in appetite and weight
• Changes in sleep patterns
• Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
• Fatigue
• Cognitive problems with memory and decision-making
• Thoughts of suicide or death

If you’re thinking about hurting yourself or suicide, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room for immediate help.

How is depression treated?

At My Psych Today, Alaa offers personalized treatment plans that often combine therapies to address your specific needs. He begins with a thorough evaluation of your mental and physical health to confirm your diagnosis and rule out other conditions that could contribute to your symptoms.

Alaa often combines medication with psychotherapy and lifestyle modifications for a patient-focused approach. While medication regulates your brain chemistry and reduces your symptoms, you’ll also benefit from exploring and resolving the issues that contribute to your depression in individual or group therapy. You may also find that adjusting your diet, getting regular exercise, and practicing meditation help improve your overall health and wellness, easing your mental health journey.

Call My Psych Today or schedule an appointment online for expert, customized treatments for depression.