Depression
What is depression​?
Depression is a mental health condition that affects how you feel, think, and handle daily activities. It's more than just feeling sad or going through a rough patch; it's a serious condition where the feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or anger interfere with everyday life for an extended period of time.
It's important to discuss how your quality of life has been affected with an empathetic healthcare provider who can provide a diagnosis and discuss treatment options.
Have you found little pleasure or interest in doing things you usually enjoy?
Are you struggling with falling asleep or sleeping too much?
Do small tasks feel as exhausting as climbing a mountain?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may be suffering from depression.
What does depression look like?
Symptoms in children
Depression can manifest differently depending on a person's age. In children, signs of depression often include:
-
irritability,
-
excessive worry
-
mood swings
They may show a loss of interest in activities they used to enjoy, struggle with schoolwork, or have frequent physical complaints like stomachaches without a clear cause.
As children grow into adolescence, these symptoms can intensify and become more recognizable as depression, with the potential addition of low self-esteem and increased sensitivity to rejection.
Symptoms in adults
In adults, depression frequently presents with persistent feelings of:
-
sadness,
-
hopelessness
-
anxiety
-
fatigue
-
difficulty concentrating
-
changes in sleep or appetite
Importantly, both in children and adults, depression can interfere significantly with daily functioning and relationships if left untreated.
Early intervention, especially during childhood, can improve long-term outcomes and reduce the risk of future mental health complications.
What causes depression?
Depression is a complex mental health condition influenced by both biological and environmental factors.
Biological Factors
Genetic Influence
Recent studies suggest that genetics play a significant role in depression. A major genetic study identified over 200 genes linked to depression, emphasizing the condition’s hereditary nature. This research shows that some people may inherit a vulnerability to depression, though it doesn’t guarantee that they will develop it. Genetic factors interact with environmental influences, making some individuals more susceptible than others​.
Brain Chemistry
​For years, the focus was on serotonin and other neurotransmitters, but newer research reveals that depression involves more complex brain mechanisms. Imbalances in neurotransmitters like serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine still contribute, but other factors such as disruptions in the glutamate system and GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) are now known to play a role. These chemicals affect mood, cognitive function, and emotional regulation​(SpringerLink).
Environmental and Psychological Factors
Life Events and Trauma
Experiences such as the loss of a loved one, unemployment, or trauma can trigger depression. Adverse life events often serve as a catalyst, particularly for those who are already genetically predisposed. Depression can also develop after prolonged exposure to stressful circumstances, such as chronic illness or relational conflict.
Social Isolation and Loneliness
Being disconnected from friends, family, or a community can greatly increase the risk of depression. The modern world, with rising numbers of people living alone, has seen a surge in depression linked to loneliness. Social support is a critical buffer against society's increasing mental health issues​.
Hormonal and Physical Health Influences
​Hormonal Changes
Depression is more common in women, partly due to hormonal fluctuations. Events such as pregnancy, postpartum depression, and menopause can trigger depressive episodes. These changes are influenced by shifts in estrogen and progesterone levels, which affect mood-regulating neurotransmitters​.​
Chronic Physical Illness
People suffering from chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, or cancer are at higher risk for depression. The strain of managing a long-term illness can lead to feelings of hopelessness, fatigue, and low self-worth; which are core symptoms of depression​.
Emerging Research on Brain Activity and Personalized Treatment:
Recent advancements in brain imaging have identified distinct subtypes of depression, each linked to different patterns of brain activity. This discovery suggests that personalized treatment approaches could become more effective, allowing healthcare providers to tailor interventions based on an individual's specific brain function. For example, some types of depression respond better to talk therapy, while others may benefit more from medication​.
How does The Nudge treat depression?
The First Step in treating depression is connecting with our provider at The Nudge, you can begin your depression treatment journey from the comfort of your home with telehealth virtual visit or we can schedule you for an office visit at our location in Wichita, Kansas. Scheduling your first appointment is quick and easy—often available within just a few days. Start by clicking the request appointment button and filling out the form. ​​
What to Expect During Your First Visit
Evaluation
Your initial visit is all about understanding you. During this session, you'll meet with one of our compassionate providers, who will ask about your current symptoms, personal and medical history, and your mental health goals. We’ll listen closely to ensure that virtual care at The Nudge is the right fit for you.
Diagnosis
Based on the information you share, your provider can offer an initial diagnosis of depression. For those seeking a formal evaluation, we can refer you to a qualified therapist for comprehensive testing. Please note that The Nudge does not provide formal diagnoses for mental health conditions.
Personalized Treatment Plan
You'll work closely with your provider to develop a customized plan to manage your symptoms. If medication is appropriate, your provider will explain your options, discussing the benefits and potential side effects of each.
Medication Management
Depression is often treated with medications like SSRIs (selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors) (e.g., Prozac, Zoloft) and SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine re-uptake inhibitors) (e.g., Cymbalta), which are commonly used because of their effectiveness and mild side effects.
Other options include atypical antidepressants like Wellbutrin. In more severe cases, Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs) and MAOIs (Monoamine oxidase inhibitors) may be prescribed, though they tend to cause more side effects.
​
*An important consideration is medication combined with therapy can greatly improve outcomes, and finding the right treatment often requires adjusting medications based on individual responses​. The Nudge does not offer therapy services, but we can refer you to one of our partnered therapists.
